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In a dramatic finale to Group A, Palmeiras came from 2–0 down to draw 2–2 with Inter Miami at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23, 2025, securing both teams’ spots in the Club World Cup Round of 16.
Miami’s Fast Start’
- Tadeo Allende broke the deadlock in the 16th minute with a dazzling 40‑metre solo run and composed finish.
- Luis Suárez, largely quiet until then, seized control in the 65th minute—cutting onto his left foot and firing a stunning goal from a tight angle to make it 2–0.
Palmeiras Strike Back Late
Minutes before full time, substitutions brought the momentum shift:
- Paulinho pulled one back in the 80th minute with a precise finish.
- Mauricio struck in the 87th minute from close range, ensuring Palmeiras topped the group on goal difference.
Final Group Standings
| Team | P | W‑D‑L | Pts | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Palmeiras | 3 | 1‑2‑0 | 5 | +2 |
| Inter Miami | 3 | 1‑2‑0 | 5 | +1 |
| Al-Ahly | 3 | 0‑1‑2 | 1 | -2 |
| Porto | 3 | 0‑1‑2 | 1 | -1 |
Al-Ahly and Porto were eliminated, their fates sealed after a 4–4 draw earlier in the day.
Stakes and Next Opponents
- Palmeiras, as group winners, will face Brazilian rivals Botafogo in Philadelphia.
- Inter Miami, finishing second, now prepares to face Paris Saint‑Germain—Messi’s former club—in Atlanta this Sunday.
Atmosphere & Tactical Drama
- The pro‑Brazilian crowd in Miami made the stadium feel like an away game for the hosts, with intensity from Palmeiras that Miami struggled to break early on.
- Inter Miami’s quick transitions powered by Allende and Suárez looked dangerous through most of the match before fatigue and tactical shifts from Palmeiras turned the tide.
Key Quotes
- Coach Javier Mascherano hailed a “historic night” for MLS and graciously admitted: “Maybe at the end we had the game in our hands… before the start of the tournament if someone told me we were going to have this kind of performance … I would have signed it.”.
Messi’s Halftime Gesture
At halftime, Lionel Messi made a heartfelt gesture by swapping shirts with Estevao Willian, an emerging Palmeiras talent, highlighting the tournament’s emotional and cultural moments.
Why It Matters
- MLS milestone: Inter Miami becomes the only MLS team to advance to the knockout stage this year—an important sign of growth for U.S. soccer.
- Palmeiras perseverance: Their resilience and depth shone through in the final minutes.
- High-stakes next round: Matches against PSG and Botafogo offer contrasting challenges—one against a European powerhouse, the other a domestic Brazilian derby.
