Lionel Messi's legacy continues to grow, and today he adds to his list of career triumphs a new qualification to the group stage of an international tournament. After their draw last Monday against Palmeiras of Brazil, the Herons led by the Argentine star qualified for the next round of the FIFA Club World Cup in their first participation in the tournament.

Javier Mascherano's side drew 2-2 against the 'Verdao', and the American side came close to the top of the table for much of the match. Inter Miami took the lead with a goal from Tadeo Allende in the 16th minute. In the second half, Luis Suarez scored the second goal for the Miami side, leaving qualification for the last 16 on a silver platter. Lionel Messi and his team were in first position for 20 minutes, but with goals from 'Verdao' in the 80th and 87th minutes sealed the result and left Mascherano's side in second place in the table.

El mejor 9️⃣ del siglo dice presente 🇺🇾 @FIFACWC @LuisSuarez9

📺: https://t.co/zOQpNK9VfS
pic.twitter.com/iYYVKuYjKM

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 24, 2025

At 38 years of age, the Argentine star has once again successfully navigated the group stage, maintaining his impeccable record at this stage. Lionel Messi has never been eliminated in a group stage, whether in club competitions with Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami or with the Argentina national team, both at senior and youth level.

In total, considering only elite tournaments, Messi has advanced in all 33 group stages he has played. These include the Champions League (19 out of 19), the Copa America (seven out of seven), the World Cup (five out of five), the Leagues Cup (one out of one) and the recent FIFA Club World Cup (one out of one).

Lionel Messi's record in group stage qualifications (Clubs + National Team)

• 33 games played
• 33 Surpassed
• 252 matches
• 252 goals generated (185G + 67A)
• 162 wins (64.28%)
• 58 draws (23.02%)
• 32 defeats (12.7%)

Group stages played and passed by team

• Barcelona: 17 out of 17
• PSG: 2 out of 2
• Inter Miami: 2 out of 2
• Argentina: 12 out of 12

On his 38th birthday, Lionel Messi has his sights set on the clash against the current UEFA Champions League holders, Paris Saint-Germain. One of his former teams and mainly the team where his spell was not as expected, both for the Parisian fans and for the expectations of the Argentine himself, generating a tense and revengeful atmosphere in the group of the 'Herons', especially in the '10' who will seek to defeat his former team to redeem himself for what happened at the French club after Argentina's triumph at the 2022 World Cup.