Messi-led Miami and PSG advance, setting up a Club World Cup rematch
In the thrilling 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Miami and Palmeiras from Group A and PSG, Botafogo, and Atlético Madrid from Group B snatched their spots in the next round. The drama didn't end there, as Bayern Munich and Benfica from Group C also secured their tickets, along with Flamengo and Chelsea from Group D.
Miami found themselves on course for a second victory in the tournament after a stunning 2-0 lead against Palmeiras, thanks to goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez. However, Palmeiras mounted an impressive comeback and secured the top spot, thanks to late goals from Paulinho and Mauricio[4]. On the other hand, PSG regrouped from a shock defeat by Botafogo to win their remaining matches and progress as group winners[4].
The star-studded PSG boasts the likes of Suarez, Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Javier Mascherano, who will face their former coach Luis Enrique[4]. Mascherano, the Inter Miami coach, praised their achievement, stating, "It's a historic night for MLS"[4].
Porto and Al Ahly exited the competition after a nail-biting 4-4 draw[4]. Bayern Munich will now face Benfica, while Auckland City will take on Boca Juniors in the remaining Group C matches[1]. Meanwhile, Chelsea clash with Esperance Tunis, with the winner qualifying alongside Flamengo, who face Los Angeles FC[1].
Potential matchups, such as Messi going up against his former coach Enrique, are creating an electric atmosphere in the competition. Who will take the trophy remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure – the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup promises to deliver unparalleled excitement[4].
Key advancing teams at this stage are Inter Miami, Miami, PSG, Botafogo, Atlético Madrid, Bayern Munich, Benfica, Flamengo, and Chelsea. Though data on other groups (E, F, G, H) is less complete, teams such as River Plate, Monterrey, Juventus, Wydad AC, Real Madrid, Pachuca, Salzburg, Al Hilal, Manchester City, and Al Ain FC might also advance[2][3].
- The international football scene shone brightly in 2025, with France's PSG advancing to the next round of the FIFA Club World Cup, showcasing stars like Luis Suarez, Messi, and Javier Mascherano.
- In a thrilling turn of events, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) managed to overcome a shock defeat by Botafogo and clinched the Group B title, making them a strong contender in the subsequent European leagues.
- As the Champions League campaigns unfold, attention will not only focus on top teams from Spain, Italy, and England but also on international clubs such as Inter Miami, who have shown promising strength in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
