Miami, USA – Inter Miami CF has successfully navigated the group stage of the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup, securing passage to the knockout phase with a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Brazilian giants Palmeiras. The result, played out at a vibrant Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Monday, June 23, 2025, confirmed Miami’s position as runners-up in Group A, setting the stage for a highly anticipated clash in the Last 16 against the winners of Group B, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
The decisive match against Palmeiras saw Inter Miami demonstrate resilience, twice coming from behind to secure the crucial point needed for qualification. The atmosphere at Hard Rock Stadium was electric as fans watched the MLS side go toe-to-toe with one of South America’s most formidable clubs. Palmeiras took the lead through Paulinho, showcasing their attacking prowess early in the contest. However, Inter Miami responded, with Tadeo Allende finding the net to level the score and ignite hope among the home supporters. Palmeiras regained their advantage when Mauricio struck, putting pressure back on the Miami team.
In a testament to their attacking talent and determination, Inter Miami pushed for an equalizer. Their efforts were rewarded late in the match when star forward Luis Suarez netted the second goal for the Florida club, ensuring the spoils were shared and securing the vital point needed for progression. The match also featured the presence of global icon Lionel Messi, who played for Inter Miami, contributing to their offensive efforts and drawing significant attention from the capacity crowd.
Qualification Confirmed and Group Standings
The 2-2 draw against Palmeiras meant Inter Miami finished second in Group A. This positioning in the group standings was sufficient to earn them a coveted spot in the knockout phase of the tournament. While the draw denied them the top spot in their group, which would typically result in a potentially more favorable draw, securing qualification itself represented a significant achievement for the relatively young MLS franchise on the global stage of the Club World Cup.
The group stages of the tournament saw intense competition across all pools, with results carrying significant weight for progression. The outcome in Group A meant Inter Miami finished behind the group winners but ahead of other competitors, underlining the competitive nature of their fixtures. The configuration of the draw stipulated that the second-placed team from Group A would face the winner of Group B in the Last 16.
Blockbuster Last 16 Tie vs. Paris Saint-Germain
The confirmation of Inter Miami’s second-place finish immediately turned attention to their next opponent. As stipulated by the tournament bracket, they will now face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who emerged as the undisputed winners of Group B. This pairing creates one of the most compelling narratives of the knockout phase, pitting the MLS side against a European football powerhouse laden with talent.
The upcoming Last 16 match against PSG carries particular significance due to the presence of Lionel Messi. The Argentine superstar spent two seasons with the Parisian club before making his landmark move to Inter Miami. This fixture will mark a poignant reunion, with Messi potentially facing his former teammates and the club where he spent a significant portion of his later European career. The encounter is guaranteed to attract immense global viewership, adding another layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes knockout tie.
The FIFA Club World Cup Stage
This iteration of the FIFA Club World Cup features an expanded format, bringing together top clubs from confederations around the globe for a multi-week tournament designed to crown the world’s best club team. Earning a place in the Last 16 underscores Inter Miami’s ascension in international football, providing them with an opportunity to test their mettle against clubs that have triumphed in their respective continental championships.
The tournament format, moving from group stages to single-elimination knockout rounds, means every subsequent match is a winner-takes-all scenario. The pressure will intensify as teams vie for progression towards the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately, the final. For Inter Miami, navigating past a club of PSG’s caliber would be a landmark achievement in their history.
Atletico Madrid’s Early Exit
Adding to the drama of the group stage proceedings across the tournament, major European club Atletico Madrid was notably knocked out. Their unexpected elimination from the competition highlights the competitive depth and potential for upsets inherent in the Club World Cup format. While Inter Miami secured their passage, other highly-rated teams faced disappointment, underscoring the challenging path faced by all competitors aiming for the title.
Looking Ahead to the PSG Showdown
The draw against Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium has successfully guided Inter Miami into the knockout phase, but the challenge now escalates dramatically. The impending clash against PSG represents a significant hurdle and a global spectacle. The match will not only be a battle between two strong teams but also a narrative-rich event centered around Lionel Messi’s return fixture against his former club.
Fans of both clubs, as well as football enthusiasts worldwide, will eagerly anticipate the Last 16 showdown. The performance of key players like Suarez and Allende, who proved their scoring ability against Palmeiras, will be crucial for Miami, alongside the leadership and magic expected from Messi. Facing PSG, with their array of international stars, will demand Inter Miami’s best performance yet in the tournament. The road ahead is challenging, but Inter Miami has earned the right to compete on this global stage, setting up a fascinating encounter in the heart of the Club World Cup knockout rounds.
