WHAT HAPPENED?
Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is part of the Inter Miami squad participating in a tournament held in the United States. The Herons received a special invitation to compete and have successfully advanced to the last-16 stage.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Inter Miami completed the group stage without defeat, securing points from their matches against Al Ahly, Porto, and Palmeiras. During the group phase, Messi scored a stunning free-kick against Portuguese side Porto, contributing to a hard-fought victory for the MLS team and a notable triumph.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Argentine superstar is now preparing for the knockout rounds, a situation he is very familiar with throughout his exceptional career. The 38-year-old holds an incredible record, having never failed to progress past the group stage in any domestic or international competition he has participated in.
TELL ME MORE
This impressive streak includes consistently advancing through World Cups and Copa America tournaments with Argentina, as well as regularly reaching the latter stages of the Champions League during his time with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
WHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Inter Miami`s progression means Messi`s unblemished record remains intact, with his successful group stage advancements now totaling 33 and still counting. His next challenge in the Club World Cup is a match against Paris Saint-Germain, scheduled to be played in Atlanta on Sunday.
Rupert Caldwell 
Tristan Blackwood