Lionel Messi extended a staggering record that has lasted his entire professional life and across multiple competitions.
On the eve of his 38th birthday, Lionel Messi may not have delivered a goal or assist for Inter Miami in their 2-2 draw against Palmeiras but his presence, once again, played its part in pushing his team over the line. It was a dominant display from the American side until the 80th minute of the match.
Inter Miami found themselves two goals up by the 65th minute, courtesy of strikes from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez. But just when it seemed like their were cruising to victory, Palmeiras fought back. Paulinho’s 80th-minute goal gave the Brazilian side hope and Mauricio’s late equalizer ensured that Palmeiras topped Group A ahead of Inter Miami.
Despite Inter Miami’s late capitulation, they finished second in Group A and advanced to the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup. Lionel Messi’s team had began their World Cup campaign with a goalless draw against Al Ahly, followed by a hard-fought 2-1 win over Porto.
On June 24, as Messi turns 38, his side Inter Miami remains alive in another global tournament. He will now prepare to face his former club Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster knockout clash that reunites him with old teammates and memories from his stint in France between 2021 and 2023.
But there’s another significant milestone that Lionel Messi has managed to extend with Inter Miami’s qualification for the Club World Cup Round of 16. Messi extended a staggering record that has lasted his entire professional life and across multiple competitions.
Across 33 group-stage campaigns for club and country, including the FIFA World Cup, UEFA Champions League, Copa America and Olympics, Messi’s team has never been eliminated in the group stage. From Barcelona to Argentina to PSG and now Miami, the talismanic striker has always found a way to lead his team beyond the first hurdle.
That record includes 18 Champions League campaigns, 5 World Cups, 7 Copa Americas, and now a Club World Cup. Add youth tournaments like the U20 World Cup and South American U20 Championship, and the number becomes all the more impressive.
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