Messi’s Inter Miami to face PSG in Club World Cup last 16 after 2-2 draw with Palmeiras

Messi’s Inter Miami set for PSG showdown after dramatic Palmeiras draw at Club World Cup; Palmeiras to face Botafogo in all-Brazilian clash.

Lionel Messi will face his former club Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 of the Club World Cup after Inter Miami secured qualification from their group in dramatic fashion. Despite throwing away a two-goal lead in the final minutes against Palmeiras, the MLS side did just enough to book their place in the knockout stage, setting up a highly anticipated clash with the French champions.

For Palmeiras, it was a disappointing evening despite a late fightback. Abel Ferreira’s men produced one of their worst performances of the season, only waking up after the 80th minute to salvage a 2-2 draw that allowed them to finish top of the group and avoid PSG in the next round. They will instead face Botafogo in the last 16, with the match set for Philadelphia on the 28th.

At one stage, after Mauricio’s late equaliser, Palmeiras were facing the prospect of finishing second, which would have meant meeting the European champions in Atlanta.