All Eyes on Messi: Palmeiras Stars Chase Autographs After Club World Cup Draw

Lionel Messi may not have scored or assisted during Inter Miami’s 2 - 2 draw with Palmeiras on Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium but the Argentine legend still dominated headlines with heartwarming scene after the final whistle.

Not a Goal, Still the Star

As soon as the referee blew for full time several Palmeiras players rushed to Messi, eager to secure piece of memorabilia from one of football’s all time greats.

Paraguayan defender Gustavo Gomez was the quickest managing to swap shirts with Messi immediately. But the biggest surprise came from midfielder Allan who made rare request: he asked Messi for his boots.

With smile, Messi responded that he would hand over the boots privately in the locker room not in front of the cameras.

A Scene of Admiration, Not Rivalry

Eyewitnesses say Messi appeared genuinely surprised by the level of admiration from the Brazilian players. Yet he took the time to meet every request with humility and sportsmanship inside the dressing room.

Both Teams March On

With this draw, both Inter Miami & Palmeiras advanced to the Round of 16 at the 2025 fifa Club World cup:

• Inter Miami finished 2nd in Group A with 5 point setting up clash with Group B leaders Paris Saint Germain.
• Palmeiras, topping the group are set to face Brazilian rivals Botafogo in mouthwatering all Brazil encounter.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.