Messi celebrates his goal. Photo: X@InterMiami
Miami∙ Inter Miami advanced to the pre-quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup. Despite a draw against Brazilian club Palmeiras in the final match of Group A, Inter Miami, which includes Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, advanced to the next round. Both teams scored two goals each. Tuesday is Messi’s 38th birthday. Although Inter Miami scored two goals in the first and second half, Palmeiras equalized in the final minutes. Tadeo Allende (16th minute) and Luis Suarez (65th) scored for Inter Miami. Paulinho and Mauricio scored in the 80th minute for Palmeiras. Palmeiras entered the pre-quarterfinals as first place and Inter Miami as second place. Inter Miami’s opponents in the pre-quarterfinals are PSG, Messi’s former club. In other matches, PSG defeated Seattle Sounders by two goals. Atletico Madrid defeated Botafogo 1-0. The match between Porto and Al Ahly ended in a 4-4 draw.
