Inter Miami booked their place in the last 16 of the Club World Cup after a 2-2 draw against Brazilian side Palmeiras. The Brazilian team rallied from a two-goal deficit to secure a draw at Hard Rock Stadium, ensuring both teams progressed to the knockout stages.
Following the qualification to the Round of 16, Lionel Messi will now face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain in the knockout match. For Messi, who turned 38, the match in Atlanta will mark his first encounter with PSG since leaving them to join Miami in 2023.
Inter Miami Held to 2-2 Draw
Miami took the lead in the 16th minute when Suarez expertly chested a long pass into the path of the advancing Allende, who outpaced the Brazilian defence and calmly scored past Weverton.
Palmeiras’ only chance before halftime came when Facundo Torres found himself in a promising position after some sloppy Miami defending, but he shot wide.
Miami’s second goal came in the 65th minute as the 38-year-old former Barcelona striker Suarez dribbled past two defenders and powered the ball into the top corner.
Substitute Paulinho scored in the 80th minute following a clever reverse pass from Allan Andrade. Then, with three minutes remaining, Maxi Falcon’s header fell to Mauricio, who seized the opportunity and scored to make it 2-2.
Miami aimed to secure the top spot in the group to avoid facing PSG, but Palmeiras earned a crucial point with their late comeback. Palmeiras, now the winners of Group A, will get fellow Brazilian club Botafogo
