Inter Miami Secures Club World Cup Knockout Spot in Thrilling Draw Against Palmeiras

• Inter Miami, Palmeiras Draw 2-2 to Reach Club World Cup Knockouts
• Suarez Shines as Inter Miami, Palmeiras Advance After Thrilling 2-2 Draw
• Inter Miami Makes History, Faces PSG After Group Stage Draw with Palmeiras

In an exciting FIFA Club World Cup Group A match at Hard Rock Stadium, Inter Miami and Palmeiras fought to a 2-2 draw on June 23, 2025. The result sent both teams to the knockout rounds, with Inter Miami becoming the only MLS team to reach the Round of 16, where they’ll face Paris Saint-Germain next.

The game, played just before Lionel Messi’s 38th birthday, saw Inter Miami take control early. Tadeo Allende scored in the 16th minute, finishing off a clever assist from Luis Suarez, who chested down a pass for his teammate. Suarez then doubled the lead in the 65th minute with a brilliant half-volley into the top corner, lighting up the 60,927 fans in the stands.

But Palmeiras wouldn’t go down quietly. They staged a late comeback with substitute Paulinho scoring in the 80th minute, followed by Mauricio’s equalizer in the 87th, silencing the home crowd. The draw meant Palmeiras finished atop Group A on goal difference and will face Botafogo in the Round of 16, while Inter Miami secured second place.

Lionel Messi didn’t find the net but kept Palmeiras’ defense on edge all night with his playmaking. Suarez’s flair and goalkeeper Oscar Ustari’s crucial saves, including a stop against Mauricio, helped Inter Miami hold on for the draw. The result was historic, as Inter Miami became the first MLS team to avoid defeat against a South American club in a FIFA competition since 2005.

Coach Javier Mascherano was proud of his squad’s performance. “This is huge for us and for MLS,” he said after the game. “We showed we can compete with the best.”

Also Read: Messi's Free-Kick Magic Secures Inter Miami's Historic 2-1 Win Over Porto

Inter Miami now gears up for a blockbuster Round of 16 clash against Messi’s old team, PSG, on June 29 in Atlanta. Meanwhile, Palmeiras, unbeaten in the group stage, looks strong heading into their matchup with Botafogo. Both teams proved their mettle, setting the stage for an thrilling knockout phase.