Inter Miami pulled off what few believed possible at the start of the Club World Cup: they reached the round of 16. They did it thanks to a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras, a result that left Lionel Messi’s team in second place in Group A with 5 points. And fate couldn’t have written a more dramatic script: up next, they face Paris Saint-Germain.

A reunion of two old friends

Luck set up a clash between two men who made history together: Messi and Luis Enrique. The Spanish coach led the Argentine at FC Barcelona, where they lifted the treble in 2015, the year of Barça’s last Champions League title.

Two seasons later, Luis Enrique moved on to coach the Spanish national team, while Leo stayed at the club until his move to PSG in 2021.

The clash that lit up Barça

Many remember that heated moment between Messi and Luis Enrique. Leo himself admitted it: after returning late from his Christmas break, he rejoined the team two days behind schedule. The coach benched him for the first match in January, and tensions boiled over. There was a fierce argument in the dressing room, but time healed the wounds. Today, both see it as just another football story.

More familiar faces on the pitch

This match will feature even more reunions. Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano all played under Luis Enrique at Barça. They all know what it’s like to be under Lucho’s command — but this time, only one side will keep dreaming in the Club World Cup.