Lionel Messi and Inter Miami advance to the knockouts of the Club World Cup despite collapse to Palmeiras

Inter Miami was set to face Botafogo in Philadelphia after Luis Suarez scored a sublime goal to put The Herons up 2-0 on Brazilian giants Palmeiras.

What followed was a stunning collapse which will see them reach the knockout stages - but just barely as the finale of Group A featured two stunning results.

Inter Miami gave up two late goals to the Alviverde to draw 2-2 and let slip the chance to win Group A.

Now, that disaster will set up one of the most exciting matchups in the Round of 16: Messi, traveling to Atlanta, to take on his former club Paris Saint-Germain.

Briefly, with the score even in the late stages of the match and Palmeiras on the front foot, there was fear that Miami could be eliminated and Egyptian side Al-Ahly could take their place.

However, with the game going final as a draw, that hope for The Red Giant died out. Credit to them and opponents Porto, who played an enthralling 4-4 draw in New Jersey deserving of knockout spots for both sides.

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