Lionel Messi is set for a fated reunion with his former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Club World Cup round of 16, after both teams progressed to the knockout stage on Monday, June 23, 2025.
Inter Miami secured their spot by finishing second in Group A following a 2-2 draw with Palmeiras. The Brazilian side came back from two goals down to top the group.
As a result, Inter Miami will now face an all-Brazilian clash with Botafogo, who finished second in Group B despite a 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid, eliminating the Spanish side.
Meanwhile, European champions PSG topped their group with a 2-0 victory over Seattle Sounders, setting up a high-profile showdown with Messi and Inter Miami.
Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez had put Miami on course for their second win of the tournament, following their shock victory over Porto.
The match will reunite several former Barcelona stars, as Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Miami head coach Javier Mascherano prepare to face their former coach Luis Enrique, who led them to a historic treble in 2015.
Speaking to beIN Sports on June 24, 2025, Alba said:
“We’re talking about the champions of Europe. We know many of their players and their coach, who I was lucky enough to have. I’ve always said he is the best in the world. I will reconnect with good friends there, but once the game starts, we will compete, try to beat them—and why not? This is football.”
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised the achievement in his post-match interview with beIN Sports on June 23, 2025, saying:
“It is a historic night for MLS because we are among the best 16 teams in the world. All of MLS should be proud of Inter Miami.”
Inter Miami and PSG will face off in their round of 16 fixture on June 29, 2025.
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Meanwhile, watch as victims of the June 3 disaster decry 10 years of neglect by the state:
