Lionel Messi and Inter Miami qualified for the knockout stages of the Club World Cup after securing a 2-2 draw with Palmeiras. They will now face PSG in the round of 16.

Messi will face his former club, Paris-Saint-Germain (PSG), in the knockout stages of the Club World Cup after finishing second in group A.

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami needed a win or a draw to qualify for the next round of the competition when they played Palmeiras last night. 

Inter Miami were up by two goals before the 70th minute but failed to hold onto their lead and allowed the South Americans to equalize 2-2 and end the game in a draw. Messi and Inter Miami avoided defeat in the knockout stage, earning a draw in their first game against Al Ahly, beating Porto, and getting a draw against Palmeiras.

PSG finished top of their group and qualified for the next round of the competition.

They started with a 4-0 win over Atletico Madrid before suffering a shocking 1-0 defeat to Botafogo. They bounced back against Seattle Sounders, securing a 2-0 win against the MLS side, and Botafogo’s 1-0 loss to Atletico Madrid meant PSG topped the group. 

Messi, who was previously at PSG before switching to Inter Miami, will face his former side in the round of 16. It’s less of a reunion and more of a battle for glory. PSG are heavy favorites, but the loss to Botafogo and Messi’s magic on the field leaves a feeling that anything is possible.