Inter Miami collapse forces Lionel Messi into early war with European champions PSG
Inter Miami collapse forces Lionel Messi into early war with European champions PSG (Image via Getty)
The scene for serious late-game drama unfolded on Monday, June 23, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens. Inter Miami were up 2–0 against Brazil's Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras thanks to a Tadeo Allende goal and a Luis Suarez goal.
It looked like Inter Miami was poised to win Group A and avoid a daunting Round of 16 matchup. Then Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras struck back with goals scored by Paulinho in the 80th minute and Mauricio in the 87th minute, to tie the match 2–2. Instead, Inter Miami finished second in the group, which set up a Round of 16 matchup against European champions Paris Saint-Germain. And in a twist, it will now be Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Alba against their former coach, Luis Enrique, in Atlanta on Sunday, June 29.
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Co. rewrite expectations for Inter Miami
Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba were all in action on June 23, showcasing deep experience for Inter Miami . Luis Suarez, 38, scored the second goal, proving his skill is still sharp.
— footballpoliti (@footballpoliti)
Coach Javier Mascherano praised the performance and said it was a 'historic night for MLS'. After the match, Luis Suarez said:'La competición te dice eso: tienes que estar 97 minutos concentrados'('The competition tells you this: you have to be concentrated for 97 minutes") .
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This draw means Inter Miami proceed as Group A runners-up with 5 points—behind Palmeiras on goal difference—and will meet PSG in the round of 16 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, June 29.
Jordi Alba, Javier Mascherano on facing
European champions PSG
Jordi Alba said after the match:'They are playing the best football in Europe… we will try to compete'. Javier Mascherano added:'We are facing arguably the best team in Europe… we'll try to put on a great performance'.
PSG became Group B winners with 6 points, beating Seattle Sounders 2–0 and Atletico Madrid 4–0, before a 1–0 loss to Botafogo. Next up for Inter Miami is the former club of Lionel Messi himself, and managed by Luis Enrique, who walked those same players to the most celebrated heights as manager of Barcelona, when they claimed the La Liga title and the Champions League.
That wave of emotions, from being comfortably ahead to being pegged back at the last minute, sets the narrative scene for a juicy Lionel Messi vs PSG match up. It has everything: old colleagues;, a former boss; a near miss; and an opportunity for a little more glory.
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