MIAMI GARDENS, FL — Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are back in action Monday night with a chance to advance to the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage.
Messi is expected to play as Inter Miami faces Brazilian club Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium, with one foot practically in the next round. Inter Miami can advance with a win, draw or a loss – but would need some help with the latter option.
Also playing at the same time in Group A: FC Porto (Portugal) vs. Al Ahly (Egypt) at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.
If Inter Miami concludes the group stage with a win or draw against Palmeiras, both clubs will advance to the Round of 16. It’s also possible Messi could face one of his former teams – Paris Saint-Germain – in the knockout stage.
Here’s everything you need to know about tonight’s match, including losing scenarios to advance, and stay tuned here for live updates from USA TODAY Sports during both Group A matches.
