The matchup between Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami) and Lee Kang-in (24, Paris Saint-Germain) has been confirmed.
Paris Saint-Germain won 2-0 against the Seattle Sounders in the third match of Group B of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, held on the 24th at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington. Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the round of 16 as the group leader with 2 wins and 1 loss.
Inter Miami drew 2-2 against Palmeiras (Brazil) in the third match of Group A, held on the 24th at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. Inter Miami secured a spot in the round of 16 as the group runner-up with 1 win and 2 draws.
The matchup between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami has been confirmed in the round of 16. Messi will face his former team, Paris Saint-Germain. However, it remains uncertain whether Messi and Lee Kang-in will meet.
Lee Kang-in did not play in the match against Seattle. He has primarily participated as a substitute in this tournament, scoring a penalty in the match against Atlético Madrid, marking the first goal for a Korean player in the Club World Cup.
However, it is highly likely that Lee Kang-in will not start in the knockout match. It remains to be seen if he will come off the bench to face Messi.
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