Inter Miami advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup knockout phase following a 2-2 draw with Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium. The match, played in front of over 60,000 spectators, saw Inter take a 2-0 lead through first-half goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez.
Suarez, despite a quiet display overall, delivered two decisive moments. He assisted the opener by cushioning the ball to Allende and later doubled the lead with a sharp half-volley from a difficult angle.
Palmeiras responded late, scoring twice in the final minutes through Paulinho and Mauricio. The result left both sides with five points, but the Brazilian club topped the group based on goal difference.
As runners-up in Group A, Inter Miami will now meet Paris St-Germain in the round of 16 – a fixture that brings Lionel Messi up against his former club.
Al Ahly and Porto eliminated in dramatic draw
In the other match in Group A, Al Ahly and Porto played out a thrilling 4-4 draw at MetLife Stadium, with both teams eliminated after finishing on two points.
Wessam Ali struck a hat-trick for the Egyptian side, while Rodrigo Mora, William, and Samu Aghehowa found the net for the Portuguese club. Mohamed Romdhane appeared to seal victory for Al Ahly in the 64th minute, but Pepe equalised in the closing stages to end both teams’ hopes of progression.
Inter Miami justify host nation slot
FIFA’s decision to allocate the host nation’s qualification slot to Inter Miami sparked debate, with some viewing it as a move to guarantee Messi’s participation. However, the team has validated their inclusion by advancing further than any other U.S.-based club, as both Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders were knocked out.
Inter head coach Javier Mascherano praised his squad for reaching their target, acknowledging the challenge ahead against the reigning European champions. The match against PSG will take place in Atlanta on 29 June.
Palmeiras, meanwhile, will face domestic rivals Botafogo in Philadelphia on 28 June.
Notable achievement for Messi
With this result, teams featuring Lionel Messi have now progressed from the group stage in all 33 tournaments he has participated in throughout his career.
