Lionel Messi cut a frustrated figure after Inter Miami let a two-goal lead slip against Palmeiras.
Strikes from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez had put the Herons in a commanding position with 10 minutes remaining of both teams’ final Club World Cup Group A fixture.
However, Palmeiras hit back with goals from Paulinho and Mauricio to preserve their unbeaten record in a result that saw each side earn the point required to qualify for the knockout phase.
Had Inter Miami held on for all three points they would have topped the group and set up a round of 16 clash against Botafogo.
Instead, they finished as runners-up and will therefore face the newly crowned champions of Europe in Paris Saint-Germain this weekend which means a reunion with his former club for Messi.
The Argentine spent two seasons in the French capital following an emotional exit from Barcelona in the summer of 2021.
His time at PSG came to an end two years ago as his contract was not renewed and when reflecting on his short say with the club, Messi opened up on his struggles with regards to settling down in Paris.
Speaking in 2023, Messi said: “I had two years where I was so unhappy on a personal level that I didn't enjoy it.
“I had that month that was spectacular for me because of winning the World Cup, but apart from that, it was a difficult period for me. I want to rediscover joy, enjoy my family, my children, the day-to-day.
“And that's why the decision for Barcelona didn't happen."
Messi’s reaction upon realising that Inter Miami’s draw with Palmeiras will set-up a tie against PSG has gone viral across many media platforms, adding more intrigue to the round of 16 battle.
Meanwhile, Jordi Alba has insisted that Messi will not be motivated by revenge against his former club.
"At the end of the day, Leo wants to win every game like all great players, and I don't know how he feels about PSG,” the Spaniard told reporters.
"I do know how he feels about Barcelona, but with PSG, well, he was there for two years, and he knows what happened because I wasn't there, so I can't talk about it, but we haven't discussed it either, and it will be a very competitive game.
"Hopefully, we'll be able to knock them out, but we know how difficult it is to play against them, against that kind of team."
