The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup continues to deliver drama as Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami are set to face off in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash, dubbed by many as The Lionel Messi Derby.
Inter Miami booked their place in the Club World Cup knockouts following a pulsating 2-2 draw with Brazilian giants Palmeiras on Monday night.
The MLS outfit stormed to a two-goal lead through Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez, but Palmeiras mounted a swift comeback late in the game with goals from Paulinho and Mauricio in quick succession. Despite the draw, both sides advanced to the Round of 16.
Palmeiras topped the group and will face fellow Brazilian side Botafogo, while Inter Miami finished second and now face PSG, the club Messi left to join the Florida-based team.
Earlier in the day, PSG bounced back from a surprise 1-0 defeat to Botafogo by defeating the Seattle Sounders 2-0.
The French champions struggled to break down the resilient MLS side, but found a breakthrough before halftime when Vitinha’s wayward shot was deflected into the net by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. Achraf Hakimi added a second in the second half to seal the win.
Botafogo also qualified as group runners-up, despite falling 1-0 to Atlético Madrid. Antoine Griezmann scored an 87th-minute winner, but it was too little too late for the Spanish side, who needed a large goal swing to stay alive in the Club World Cup.
With Monday night’s results, at least nine teams have now been eliminated from the expanded 32-team tournament, including notable names such as Atletico Madrid, Seattle Sounders, Los Angeles FC, and Urawa Red Diamonds. Other eliminated clubs include Al Ain, Wydad AC, Auckland City, Pachuca, and Ulsan HD.
So far, the confirmed Club World Cup Round of 16 qualifiers are:
Paris Saint-Germain
Inter Miami
Palmeiras
Botafogo
Juventus
Manchester City
Bayern Munich
Flamengo
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