On June 23, 2025, Inter Miami vs Palmeiras delivered one of the most thrilling games of the Club World Cup so far, drawing 2–2 in a dramatic and emotional encounter. Hosted at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, the match was a historic night for Major League Soccer as Inter Miami advanced to the knockout stage of the global competition—something no MLS team had achieved in this tournament’s modern format. Meanwhile, Palmeiras, the Brazilian powerhouse, showed their trademark resilience, scoring twice in the final ten minutes to share the points.
This high-stakes showdown between Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami and the Copa Libertadores-winning Palmeiras captivated fans across continents. It wasn’t just a game—it was a statement of intent from both clubs on the global stage.
The match kicked off with electric energy as Inter Miami came out aggressively. Their efforts paid off in the 16th minute when Tadeo Allende went on a brilliant 40-meter solo run. Evading three defenders with remarkable control and balance, Allende slotted a shot past Palmeiras keeper Weverton to give Miami a 1–0 lead.
Luis Suárez, Messi’s longtime friend and fellow Barça legend, added a second in the 65th minute. After receiving a quick pass on the edge of the box, Suárez shifted to his left and curled a beautiful shot into the far top corner. It was vintage Suárez—clinical, creative, and confident.
At 2–0 up, Inter Miami seemed in control. Their midfield trio of Busquets, Gómez, and Allende held possession while Messi orchestrated the rhythm from deep.
Palmeiras, however, refused to go down quietly. Manager Abel Ferreira made two critical substitutions, bringing on Paulinho and Mauricio in the 75th minute.
Paulinho made an immediate impact. In the 80th minute, he finished calmly after a deft through-ball from Raphael Veiga. That goal sparked a momentum shift.
Then, in the 87th minute, Mauricio pounced on a loose ball in the box to fire Palmeiras level. The Brazilian fans erupted in celebration, and Inter Miami suddenly found themselves fighting to preserve the draw.
Despite a few final surges from both sides, the match ended 2–2. A draw that felt like a victory for Palmeiras and a bittersweet outcome for Miami.
Inter Miami opted for a structured but counter-attacking strategy. With Messi dropping deep to dictate tempo and Suárez lurking near the box, they built quick transitions from the back.
Their defense stayed compact for much of the game, with Jordi Alba and DeAndre Yedlin providing experience on the flanks. They also focused on pressing Palmeiras’ midfield early, which paid off in the first hour.
However, fatigue and Palmeiras’ tactical adjustments exposed weaknesses late in the match, especially in the wide channels.
Palmeiras came in with their signature high-energy pressing and possession-based play. Though they struggled to convert chances early, their composure never wavered.
Ferreira’s substitutions were key. Both Paulinho and Mauricio added urgency and unpredictability, stretching Inter Miami’s defensive line and exploiting lapses in marking.
The Brazilian club also benefited from superior depth, which allowed them to maintain intensity deep into the second half—something Miami couldn’t match.
This match marked several milestones:
- MLS Milestone: Inter Miami became the first MLS club to reach the Club World Cup Round of 16.
- Palmeiras Dominance: Palmeiras maintained their reputation as one of South America’s most consistent global performers.
- Messi’s Record Continues: Lionel Messi extended his unbeaten streak in group-stage matches across all international competitions—now at 33 appearances without elimination.
These milestones added even more weight to a match already bursting with narrative intrigue.
“It was a great game for us, full of fight and historic for MLS,” Mascherano said. “If you had told me before the tournament that we’d make it to the knockouts, I would’ve signed that in a second.”
Mascherano also praised Palmeiras’ effort and described the draw as a learning experience for his squad.
Ferreira admitted his side struggled in the first half but emphasized their mental strength.
“We didn’t panic. We made smart substitutions, increased our pressing, and showed who we are in the last 15 minutes.”
The reaction on social media and among pundits was electric. Fans praised the match for its entertainment value and narrative tension.
Sports outlets like ESPN, Reuters, and The Athletic called it:
- “A historic night for MLS.”
- “A game of two halves.”
- “Vintage Suárez. Composed Palmeiras.”
With the group stage over, the knockout bracket is set:
- Inter Miami will face PSG in Atlanta on June 29. That matchup will reunite Messi with his former club, and fans are buzzing about the storyline.
- Palmeiras will play Botafogo in an all-Brazilian Round of 16 clash in Philadelphia on the same day.
Both games promise fireworks and tactical chess matches as four of the most intriguing teams in the world meet on the global stage.
Although he didn’t score, Lionel Messi’s presence was undeniable. His vision, leadership, and calm under pressure guided Miami through tight situations.
At 38, Messi continues to prove that he’s not just playing for legacy—he’s still making an impact at the highest levels. His continued excellence inspires younger teammates and elevates the club’s global standing.
For Inter Miami fans, Messi’s tenure has already redefined expectations. For the soccer world, it’s another reminder that the GOAT hasn’t hung up his boots just yet.
The Inter Miami vs Palmeiras draw was more than just a group-stage fixture—it was a high-stakes drama between two very different footballing philosophies. Inter Miami, a relatively young club energized by global stars, stood tall against Palmeiras, a club steeped in tradition and continental triumphs.
With both teams advancing, this match marks a turning point. For Inter Miami, it’s validation. For Palmeiras, it’s another step in pursuit of global glory. And for fans, it’s yet another reason to keep watching what has quickly become the most exciting Club World Cup in years.
- Reuters: Palmeiras salvage draw with Inter Miami; both advance
- NY Post: Inter Miami vs Palmeiras draw sets up PSG clash
- The Athletic: Miami and Palmeiras in thrilling 2–2 battle
- ESPN: Club World Cup Group A standings
- CNN Brasil: Mascherano praises Palmeiras’ resilience