Messi's Inter Miami 'saves' MLS in Club World Cup

It may have come with controversy, but of the three representatives of Major League Soccer, the only one that will be in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup is Inter Miami. The team of Leo Messi, Luis Suarez, Busquets or Jordi Alba ended up drawing against Palmeiras in the last matchday and certified its pass to the next round.

FIFA received a lot of criticism for the inclusion of the pink franchise in the event as champion of the regular American league (MLS Supporters Shield) and not as the real winner of the title, the MLS Cup, won by Los Angeles Galaxy. But in the end, Javier Mascherano's team did not come to the Club World Cup to be decorated, but to compete. Despite its ups and downs, the image has been good.

In fact, it contrasts sharply with that of the other North American representatives, Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC. The 'rave green' came as winners of the 2022 CONCACAF Champions League, but left the World Cup empty-handed after losing all three of their matches to three top opponents: PSG (0-2), Atletico Madrid (1-3) and Botafogo (2-1).

LAFC, for their part, have nothing left to do in their last game against Flamengo; well, yes: avoid an exit with zero points. 

However, Inter Miami's group is not a benevolent one either. At first, everyone thought Palmeiras and Porto were the favourites, but the Portuguese side came up short against the Americans, who, after a 0-0 draw with Al Ahly on the first matchday, came from behind to beat the ‘dragons’. After Samu opened the scoring, Telasco Segovia equalized in the second half and Leo Messi sealed the victory with a great free kick goal.

The No 10 also added good minutes against Palmeiras, calming the second half until Luis Suarez's 2-0 goal, named ‘MVP’ of the match. The Uruguayan was vindicated after two discreet first matches thanks to an assist and a great goal. The striker's wear and tear is evident, but he continues to be dangerous when he has the slightest chance. And Inter Miami did well collectively before Abel Ferreira changed the game with his substitutions.

Now comes the big challenge: facing the reigning Champions League champions. Until the 2-2 draw, Inter Miami was the leader of Group A, but that privilege was snatched away by Mauricio's late goal. Therefore, Messi, Suarez and company will meet again with Luis Enrique's Paris Saint-Germain, with whom they won the 2015 Barça treble.