Inter Miami CF, spearheaded by Lionel Messi, secured a dramatic 2-2 draw against Brazilian giants Palmeiras in the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, a result that propelled both teams into the knockout stages of the tournament. Held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, the match witnessed a late resurgence from Palmeiras, who clawed their way back from a two-goal deficit to snatch a point and set up a tantalizing last-16 clash between Messi and his former club, Paris Saint-Germain.
Against expectations, Inter Miami’s campaign began with a surprise victory over Portuguese side Porto, setting the stage for a crucial encounter with Palmeiras. The MLS side took an early lead when Tadeo Allende capitalized on a brilliant chested pass from Luis Suarez, showcasing his pace and composure to beat Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton. Dominating possession, Miami controlled the midfield with the experienced trio of Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Federico Redondo dictating the tempo of the game. Palmeiras struggled to contain Miami’s fluid attacking movements, with their defensive tactics proving ineffective against Messi’s deep-lying playmaking role.
The second half saw Inter Miami continue to press for a second goal, with Messi and Allende both coming close before Suarez finally doubled their lead in the 65th minute. The Uruguayan striker, a veteran of countless high-stakes matches, displayed his enduring class by dribbling past two defenders and unleashing a powerful shot into the top corner. With a two-goal cushion and top spot in Group A seemingly secured, Inter Miami appeared poised to avoid a clash with PSG in the next round.
However, Palmeiras, spurred on by their passionate travelling support, mounted a spirited comeback in the final stages of the match. Substitute Paulinho ignited the Brazilian revival, firing home in the 80th minute after a clever reverse pass from Allan Andrade. The momentum swung decisively in Palmeiras’ favor, and with just three minutes remaining, Mauricio capitalized on a loose header from Maxi Falcon to level the score. The late equalizer ensured Palmeiras progressed to the knockout stages and set up a mouthwatering all-Brazilian encounter with Botafogo.
For Messi, the draw carries significant personal implications, as it sets up a reunion with PSG, the club he left in 2023 to join Inter Miami. The last-16 tie, to be played in Atlanta, will mark the first time Messi faces his former teammates since his high-profile transfer to the MLS. The match holds added significance for Messi, who will celebrate his 38th birthday just days before the encounter. The Argentine forward, a seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, will be looking to make a statement against his former employers and guide Inter Miami to a historic victory in the Club World Cup.
Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed pride in his team’s performance and highlighted the significance of their achievement for the MLS. He acknowledged the mixed emotions following the late equalizer but emphasized the overall positive performance against a formidable South American opponent. Mascherano’s counterpart, Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira, delivered a scathing assessment of his team’s first-half display, criticizing their inability to contain Miami’s attacking prowess or exert any pressure up front. However, he praised their resilience and fighting spirit in the second half, which ultimately earned them a crucial point.
The draw also had implications for the other teams in Group A. Despite a thrilling 4-4 draw between Egyptian club Al Ahly and Porto at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, both teams were eliminated from the tournament. The high-scoring encounter, witnessed by a diverse crowd at the iconic venue, proved to be a mere consolation for both sides, as Inter Miami and Palmeiras secured their progression to the knockout stages. The dramatic conclusion to the group stage set the scene for an exciting last-16 round, with Messi’s Inter Miami facing PSG and Palmeiras taking on Botafogo in an all-Brazilian affair.
