Miami, FL – Inter Miami CF has successfully navigated the group stage of the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup, securing qualification for the Round of 16 following a hard-fought 2-2 draw against formidable Brazilian side Palmeiras. The decisive Group A encounter, held on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, saw the Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit earn the crucial point needed to advance in the global tournament.
The result sets the stage for a highly anticipated showdown in the knockout phase, as Inter Miami is now slated to face French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the reigning UEFA Champions League winners, in the Round of 16 on June 29.
Match Report: A Tale of Two Halves at Hard Rock Stadium
The atmosphere at Hard Rock Stadium was electric, with fans keenly aware of the high stakes involved – qualification for the knockout rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup. Inter Miami, featuring global icon Lionel Messi and Uruguayan veteran Luis Suárez, began the match with intent, seeking to establish dominance early against their strong South American opponents.
Their early pressure paid dividends in the 16th minute. A well-worked move saw Luis Suárez turn provider, delivering a precise assist that found Tadeo Allende. The young forward made no mistake, confidently finishing to give Inter Miami an important early 1-0 lead, igniting hopes among the home support.
Inter Miami continued to press and control periods of the game. The momentum swung further in their favor in the second half. In the 65th minute, Luis Suárez, showcasing his enduring class and predatory instinct, found the back of the net himself. His goal doubled Miami’s advantage, putting them comfortably ahead at 2-0 and seemingly on course for a victory that would seal their progression.
However, Palmeiras, known for their resilience and attacking prowess, were far from defeated. The Brazilian champions mounted a spirited comeback in the final stages of the match, demonstrating why they are considered one of South America’s elite clubs. Their resurgence began in the 80th minute when Paulinho pulled a goal back, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and injecting palpable tension back into the stadium.
The comeback was completed just seven minutes later. In the 87th minute, Mauricio struck for Palmeiras, leveling the score at 2-2. The late goals stunned the home crowd but underlined the competitive nature of the match and the quality inherent in both squads.
Group Stage Outcomes and Qualification
Despite conceding the late equalizer, the 2-2 draw proved sufficient for Inter Miami’s ambitions. Both Inter Miami and Palmeiras successfully navigated Group A to progress to the knockout stage of the FIFA Club World Cup. Palmeiras finished atop the group standings, securing first place primarily on goal difference.
Inter Miami secured the second qualification spot from Group A. Their performance across the group stage, culminating in this draw, saw them accumulate a total of five points from their three games played. This tally was enough to finish ahead of their group rivals and clinch a coveted berth in the Round of 16.
Looking Ahead: A Marquee Matchup Against PSG
The qualification sets the stage for a truly headline-grabbing fixture in the Round of 16. Inter Miami’s next challenge in the FIFA Club World Cup will be against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). This matchup carries significant narrative weight, primarily due to Lionel Messi facing his former club, where he spent two seasons before moving to Miami.
Paris Saint-Germain arrives in the tournament as the champions of Europe, having lifted the UEFA Champions League trophy. Their presence represents a formidable hurdle for Inter Miami, pitting the MLS side against one of global football’s current powerhouses.
The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled to take place on June 29. This fixture not only tests Inter Miami’s capabilities against elite European opposition but also adds another fascinating chapter to Lionel Messi’s illustrious career as he comes face-to-face with many former teammates and the club where he experienced both triumphs and challenges.
Inter Miami’s journey in the FIFA Club World Cup continues, marked by this thrilling qualification from a challenging group. The draw against Palmeiras demonstrated both their attacking potential, spearheaded by Suárez and Allende, and areas where they need to shore up defensively against top-tier opponents. The upcoming match against PSG promises to be a significant event in the tournament, drawing global attention to Miami and MLS on the international stage.
