A Clash Full of Intrigue Awaits Messi, Unique in His Kind

Leo Messi will face a clash full of intrigue in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup. Despite taking a 2-0 lead, Inter Miami could not prevent Palmeiras from equalising late in the match held at the Hard Rock Stadium, finishing second in Group A, which will pit them against Luis Enrique's formidable PSG. The reigning European champions, who defeated Seattle Sounders 2-0 at Lumen Field, will meet the Argentine, who left Paris through the back door after leading a star-studded forward line with Neymar and Kylian Mbappé for two seasons, yet remains unique in his kind at the age of 38.

Messi has played 33 group stages throughout his career, including clubs and national teams, and has successfully emerged from all of them. The Argentine surpassed 19 out of 19 in the Champions League with Barça and PSG, overcame the five he faced with Argentina in the World Cups, and also the seven Copa América tournaments he participated in with the Albiceleste, as well as the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami, adding to this Club World Cup where David Beckham's team surprised by eliminating Porto.

The 2-1 victory over the Dragons in the second matchday allowed the Florida team to secure a round of 16 spot, which they confirmed on Monday night to Tuesday (Spanish time) with a draw against Palmeiras that, however, left a somewhat bitter taste for the 'Herons'.

Javier Mascherano's men sought to finish the first phase as group leaders to avoid the likely clash with the powerful PSG and had the goal within reach, but two late goals from Palmeiras prevented the celebration from being complete for Inter Miami on the eve of Messi's birthday.

Luis Suárez became the man of the match, first delivering the pass that led to Inter Miami's opening goal, scored by Argentine Tadeo Allende in the 16th minute, and then sealing the 2-0 midway through the second half. However, Palmeiras managed to narrow the gap in the 80th minute through Paulinho and ended up drawing level with a goal from Mauricio in the 88th minute, handing the group lead to 'Verdao', who thus avoided PSG and will face Botafogo in an all-Brazilian tie.