Lionel Messi's Birthday Bonanza: Inter Miami Reaches Club World Cup Round of 16
Messi, the birthday kid, offers his support to Inter Miami in the last 16 rounds - Star soccer player, Messi, advances to the quarterfinals with Inter Miami.
Let's celebrate the birthday boy in style! Lionel Messi steered Inter Miami into the round of 16 at the 2025 Club World Cup in the US. This special occasion for the 38-year-old Argentine football legend saw his team securing a spot despite surrendering a 2:0 lead against Palmeiras in their final group game. The match ended in a 2:2 draw, allowing Inter Miami to progress with five points, sharing the lead with their opponents [1].
As for FC Porto and Al-Ahly, they bid adieu to the tournament following their 4:4 draw. In the round of 16, Messi and his Inter Miami squad will lock horns with their former adversary, Paris Saint-Germain. Palmeiras, meanwhile, will square off against Botafogo in a heated Brazilian showdown [1].
Suárez: "Raising the Bar"
The veteran striker and goal-scorer for Inter Miami, Luis Suárez, was delighted with the outcome. "We've proved our competitiveness," he stated. "This result shows us where the MLS' true potential lies. That's the message we aim to send. Now, we need to prepare for the challenges ahead. We know that the rounds ahead will be equally tough, just like the one we just faced" [1].
In the game against Palmeiras, Tadeo Allende, on loan from Spanish side Celta Vigo, scored the opening goal for Inter Miami with an assist from Suárez (16th minute). Allende had an opportunity to extend the lead right after halftime (52nd), but Messi almost managed to score a long-range goal moments later (58th). Suárez himself added another goal to the tally, slotting one into the short corner (65th). However, Inter Miami squandered their lead in the final minutes, conceding to Paulinho (80th) and Mauricio (87th) from Palmeiras replacements, resulting in a 2:2 draw. Palmeiras' superior goal difference declared them the group winners [1].
A Goal-heavy Encounter between Porto and Al-Ahly
In the second game of Group A, FC Porto and Egyptian club Al-Ahly engaged in a thrilling 4:4 draw (1:2) [3]. Al-Ahly's Wessam Abou Ali scored a brace (15th and 51st), along with a penalty (45+2'), while Porto replied with goals from Rodrigo Mora (23rd), William Gomes (50th), and Samu (53rd). Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane put Al-Ahly ahead 4:3 (64th), but Pepe salvaged a draw for Porto in the dying moments (89th). Both teams accumulated two points in the Club World Cup [3].
[1] Messi's next opponent: Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 at the 2025 Club World Cup (source: FIFA Club World Cup official schedule)[2] Key Club World Cup matches happening between June 28 and July 16, 2025 (source: FIFA Club World Cup official website)[3] FC Porto vs. Al-Ahly: A thrilling 4:4 draw (source: ESPN FC)
The Commission, with its focus on protecting the financial interests of the Community, might consider critically assessing the potential revenue generation from European leagues, including LaLiga, due to the high-profile participation of internationally renowned teams like Inter Miami, Paris Saint-Germain, and others in the Club World Cup.
With Lionel Messi leading Inter Miami, the European football landscape, particularly LaLiga, will keenly follow his team's progress in the Club World Cup, as the tournament serves as a platform for these teams to showcase their talents on a global stage.
