WHAT HAPPENED?
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner forms part of the Herons squad competing at a global gathering in the United States. They accepted a special invite in order to grace that event and have made their way into the last-16.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Inter Miami went unbeaten through three fixtures at the group stage, picking up points against Al Ahly, Porto and Palmeiras. Messi netted a stunning free-kick against Portuguese opposition as the MLS outfit picked up a battling win and claimed a notable scalp.
GettyDID YOU KNOW?
The South American superstar is now reading himself for more knockout football. That has been a common theme for the 38-year-old throughout his stunning career. Messi has never failed to make it out of a group stage at any domestic or international event.
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He has progressed through World Cup and Copa America events with Argentina, while regularly reaching the latter stages of the Champions League with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Inter Miami have avoided adding a blot to that otherwise unblemished copybook, with Messi’s group stage progression record now standing at 33 successes and counting. He is preparing for a reunion with PSG at the Club World Cup, with that contest set to take place in Atlanta on Sunday.