FIFA Club World Cup: Messi, Inter Miami to face 'best team in the world' in round of 16

Inter Miami secured a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras on Monday, advancing to the Club World Cup round of 16 as the second-placed team in Group A with an unbeaten record.

Miami, led by Lionel Messi, will now face European champions Paris Saint-Germain, where the Argentine legend played from 2021 to 2023.

Inter Miami defender Jordi Alba called PSG the “current best in the entire world.”

“I'm proud of the team, and now we're competing against a top team like PSG,” Alba said.

“It's great. For me, they're playing the best football in Europe, and well, it's obviously a very difficult match, but we're going to try to compete.

"Why not dream of beating the European champion? It will be very difficult. We know the quality of all the players, and for me, Luis Enrique is the best coach in the world. I know him very well.”

Miami took an early lead against Palmeiras with Tadeo Allende’s goal in the 16th minute, followed by Luis Suárez doubling the advantage in the 65th. Despite nearly claiming first place in Group A, they conceded two late goals, settling for a draw.

While PSG are heavy favorites, Messi and Suárez’s performances suggest the MLS side must not be underrated.