Aksel Kryhlmand
“It’s a historic night for MLS”
Inter Miami Advances After Draw with Palmeiras
Inter Miami will face Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup, setting up a high-profile reunion between Lionel Messi and his former club. Miami earned the matchup after drawing 2-2 with Palmeiras on Monday to secure second place in Group A.
Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez gave Miami a 2-0 lead, but late strikes from Paulinho and Maurício ensured the Brazilian side advanced as group winners on goal difference. Both clubs finished with five points, while FC Porto and Al Ahly were eliminated.
Messi, Suárez and Busquets Reunite with Luis Enrique
Sunday’s showdown will see several former Barcelona teammates reunite on opposing sides. Inter Miami’s core of Messi, Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and manager Javier Mascherano will take on PSG coach Luis Enrique, who guided them to a treble-winning season in 2015.
It’s a historic night for MLS,” said Mascherano. “We are into the best 16 teams in the world. I appreciate the team because they gave more than 100 percent.
Now we’ve got to compete against a PSG side that will be very tough. Once the game starts, it’s about going toe-to-toe and trying to beat them.
PSG Cruises Through Group Stage
European champions PSG secured passage to the knockout rounds with a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders, courtesy of goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi. They finished Group B level on six points with Atlético Madrid and Botafogo but advanced due to a superior goal difference.
Atlético, despite a 1-0 win over Botafogo, was eliminated. In Group A, Porto and Al Ahly exited the competition after a dramatic 4-4 draw that ended their hopes of progression.
Miami Stands Alone Among MLS Contenders
With Seattle and LAFC failing to progress, Inter Miami remains the lone Major League Soccer representative in the Club World Cup’s last 16. Their journey, now marked by a looming clash with PSG, has captured attention and raised expectations.
PSG and Inter Miami will meet on Sunday in a fixture packed with history, familiarity and high stakes as both teams aim to continue their path toward Club World Cup glory.
