In a thrilling encounter at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, Palmeiras staged a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami on Monday night, June 23, 2025, in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage. This dramatic result not only ensured Palmeiras clinched the top spot in Group A but also saw both teams advance to the knockout phase, setting up intriguing last-16 clashes.
The match began with Inter Miami seizing an early advantage, thanks to a stunning goal from Tadeo Allende in the 16th minute. Allende’s strike was one of the most direct goals of the tournament, as he capitalized on a long clearance from Federico Redondo, racing past the Palmeiras defense before calmly slotting the ball past goalkeeper Weverton. This early breakthrough energized the home crowd and put Miami in a commanding position.
Inter Miami continued to press, with Lionel Messi, who was celebrating his 39th birthday the following day, creating several chances but unable to find the net. The Argentine superstar’s presence was palpable, with fans chanting his name throughout the match. However, it was veteran Luis Suarez who doubled Miami’s lead in the 65th minute with a goal that reminded everyone of his peak years. Suarez received a pass from the left, shielded the ball from Lucas Evangelista, and unleashed a powerful half-volley into the near top corner, leaving Weverton with no chance.
Despite trailing by two goals deep into the second half, Palmeiras refused to back down. Their resilience paid off in the 80th minute when Paulinho, a substitute, reduced the deficit. Paulinho expertly ran onto a clever diagonal ball from Allan and finished low into the bottom left corner, just ahead of Benjamin Cremaschi’s challenge. This goal sparked hope and ignited the Palmeiras fans in the stadium.
Seven minutes later, Mauricio completed the comeback with a clinical finish from the penalty spot after picking up a loose clearance. His emphatic shot sealed the 2-2 draw and confirmed Palmeiras’ position as group leaders on goal difference, with both teams finishing on five points from one win and two draws.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised his team’s effort, calling it a “historic night” for Major League Soccer. “It’s very important that the team was able to compete at this level at the Club World Cup. I think we’ve left our mark as a competitive team,” Mascherano said. He added, “Maybe at the end we had the game in our hands so the feeling is strange but before the start of the tournament if someone told me we were going to have this kind of performance against these kind of teams I would have signed it.”
Palmeiras head coach Abel Moreira also reflected on the match, stating, “We could at the last moment have won the match, but quite honestly it wouldn’t have been fair given how Inter Miami played in the first half. Tying was the best result. ... Whether it’s by tying or by winning, this is what we came for.”
This draw means Palmeiras will face fellow Brazilian side Botafogo on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Philadelphia, setting up an all-Brazilian showdown in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Inter Miami will take on European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta on the same day, marking a reunion between Messi and his former club, where he spent two seasons from 2021 to 2023.
Both teams’ progression marks a significant achievement, especially for Inter Miami, who are the only Major League Soccer team to advance to the last 16 after Los Angeles FC and Seattle Sounders were eliminated earlier. The match atmosphere was electric, with the crowd largely favoring Palmeiras, creating a challenging environment for the hosts.
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Palmeiras’ comeback from two goals down showcased their determination and tactical adjustments, particularly following second-half substitutions that shifted the momentum. Their ability to claw back against a strong Miami side underlines their credentials as one of South America’s finest teams.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on the upcoming knockout fixtures, with Palmeiras and Inter Miami both eager to make deeper runs. The stage is set for high drama, with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami looking to upset the European champions and Palmeiras aiming to continue their impressive form against Botafogo.
The 2-2 draw not only delivered an exciting spectacle but also highlighted the growing competitiveness of Major League Soccer on the global stage. Inter Miami’s spirited performance and Palmeiras’ resilience have set the tone for what promises to be a captivating knockout phase in this year’s FIFA Club World Cup.
