Club World Cup 2025: Round of 16 Kicks Off with PSG vs Inter Miami Showdown

The stage is heating up in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025, being hosted across various cities in the United States, as two exciting Round of 16 fixtures have now been confirmed. Football fans worldwide are buzzing in anticipation as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) is set to take on Inter Miami CF, sparking what many are calling “The Lionel Messi Derby.”

This thrilling encounter is gathering momentum, especially given the narrative behind it—Lionel Messi, who currently stars for Inter Miami, once donned the PSG jersey before making his high-profile switch to the Major League Soccer (MLS).

How Inter Miami Secured Their Spot in the Knockouts

Inter Miami CF earned their place in the knockout stage after a pulsating 2-2 draw against Brazilian giants Palmeiras. The Florida-based club stormed into a two-goal lead, with Tadeo Allende finding the back of the net first, followed by another fine finish from legendary forward Luis Suarez in the second half.

However, Palmeiras were not to be outdone. In a dramatic late resurgence, the Brazilian team drew level within a mere seven minutes—Paulinho and Mauricio scoring to restore parity and make it a balanced but intense contest.

Despite the draw, Inter’s earlier results and goal difference saw them safely into the Round of 16, making them the only MLS team to reach this far in the tournament. This feat is particularly impressive given the early exits of Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders, both of whom failed to advance past the group stage.

Palmeiras Progresses to Next Round to Face Botafogo

Although Palmeiras missed out on winning the match, their overall group performance earned them the top spot in their group. This achievement sets them up for an all-Brazilian clash in the next round, where they will face Botafogo—another heavyweight club from Brazil’s top-flight football.

As the tournament progresses, eyes will be keenly fixed on these two Round of 16 fixtures: PSG vs Inter Miami and Palmeiras vs Botafogo, promising intense drama and unforgettable football action.