Lionel Messi (Inter Miami) finds himself unable to avoid a 'reunion' he did not desire. Inter Miami has reached the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and will face Messi's former team, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Inter Miami drew 2-2 against Palmeiras (Brazil) in the final group stage match of Group A held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, on the 24th (Korean time), advancing to the knockout stage.
Miami took the lead with goals from Tadeo Ayende and Luis Suárez, but they lost a victory that was within reach when Palmeiras' Paulinho and Maurício scored consecutive goals in the latter part of the second half.
As a result, Inter Miami qualified for the knockout stage as the second-placed team in the group rather than the group leader. Consequently, Inter Miami will compete against the Champions League title holders, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), for a spot in the quarterfinals.
The matchup between Miami and PSG is also referred to as the 'Messi Derby.' Messi wore the PSG jersey for two years starting in the summer of 2023. PSG dreamed of winning the Champions League when they signed Messi, but they only won it after he left.
In addition to Messi, Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, there is also excitement about reuniting with former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique. Given that PSG ended their association without exercising the extension option, there will be mixed feelings for Messi.
According to the British 'Mirror', this scenario is ideal for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Inter Miami owner David Beckham. It is considered the best 'big match' to reverse the lukewarm atmosphere of the club world cup, which had faced player dissatisfaction due to the heat and lack of excitement.
Especially for President Infantino, who is committed to the development of soccer in the U.S., he assured that with this tournament and the 2026 World Cup, Major League Soccer (MLS) will become one of the best leagues in the world within 3 to 5 years, at most 5 years.
Owner Beckham believes that having his country's club face European champion PSG under global attention will be a perfect opportunity to enhance the club's stature. PSG is the team where Beckham also played.
Meanwhile, Suárez expressed caution after the match, saying, "If we keep making such mistakes against PSG, we will pay the price." He added, "It is natural for strong teams to be present in such tournaments. We are facing the European champions, and we must seize our opportunities."
He also stated, "Coach Enrique has watched many players and has had a great influence on me," adding, "I was originally competitive, but he made me even more competitive."
Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, expressed confidence, stating, "We were evaluated as underdogs before the tournament, but we overcame difficulties through training, determination, and soccer, and we have grown as a team. This level of competition is something we cannot experience in the league, and we have earned the right to face the European champions. Ultimately, soccer is a game of 11 against 11. There is no reason to be afraid."
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