Goal and assist from Suárez not enough for Inter Miami: Messi and co to face PSG

Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Palmeiras in a dramatic clash in the Club World Cup group stage on the night from Monday to Tuesday, a result that saw the MLS side miss out on topping Group A.

Despite a two-goal lead and an outstanding performance from veteran striker Luis Suárez, Inter were unable to hold off the Brazilian giants in the closing stages. Palmeiras capitalized on the late collapse to claim first place in the group, setting up a high-profile semifinal showdown with Botafogo on June 28. Meanwhile, Inter Miami led by global superstars Lionel Messi and Suárez will now face Paris Saint-Germain, Messi's former club, a day later on June 29.

The clash between Inter Miami and Palmeiras was billed as one of the headline fixtures of the group stage, featuring two clubs with very different histories but equally ambitious squads. For Inter Miami, the tournament has represented a chance to showcase the rapid growth of MLS on a global stage, while for Palmeiras, a club steeped in South American success, it’s an opportunity to assert their dominance beyond the continent.

From the opening whistle, Inter Miami showed intent and quality, driven forward by the familiar brilliance of Suárez, who continues to defy age with his physicality and footballing IQ. In the 16th minute, the Uruguayan forward demonstrated his experience and composure, winning a physical duel in the center circle before cushioning the ball perfectly with his chest. He set up Argentine midfielder Tadeo Allende, who burst forward between the Palmeiras centre-backs and slotted the ball past the onrushing goalkeeper with clinical ease. The early goal gave Inter confidence and allowed them to control the tempo throughout much of the first half.

Palmeiras, though technically sharp and tactically disciplined, struggled to break through Inter Miami’s midfield press, with Sergio Busquets anchoring the middle and Jordi Alba contributing to defensive organization. Their passing lacked penetration in the final third, and it was Inter who continued to create the better chances.

Suárez then added what seemed to be the knockout blow twenty minutes into the second half. In a moment that evoked memories of his prime years at Liverpool and Barcelona, the striker shrugged off three defenders in close succession, forcing his way into the penalty area before unleashing a vicious right-footed shot into the roof of the net. It was his sixth goal in Club World Cup competitions a tally only bettered by Cristiano Ronaldo, who holds the record with seven. The finish sent the Inter bench into celebration and gave the impression that Messi and co. were on their way to a statement win.

But Palmeiras refused to go down quietly. With ten minutes left, the Brazilians found a second wind. Paulinho, formerly of Bayer Leverkusen, brought them back into the game with a fine individual effort. He received the ball just outside the box, danced past two defenders, and curled a low shot beyond the reach of Drake Callender in goal. Inter Miami, who had begun to drop deeper in an effort to protect the lead, suddenly looked vulnerable.

Just minutes later, substitute Mauricio completed the comeback. A quick transition following a turnover in midfield caught Inter Miami off guard, and a precise low cross into the box was met by Mauricio, who slotted it home first-time to make it 2-2. The Brazilian bench erupted as the goal all but secured top spot in the group.

The draw, while technically keeping both teams unbeaten, had very different emotional outcomes. For Palmeiras, it was a triumphant escape that demonstrated their resilience and killer instinct in decisive moments. For Inter Miami, it was a bitter lesson in game management and missed opportunities particularly with such experienced players on the field.

Meanwhile, the other Group A match produced fireworks of its own. FC Porto and Al-Ahly played to a wild 4-4 draw, in a contest that will be remembered for its relentless pace and end-to-end drama. The result meant both teams were eliminated, with Porto becoming the second European casualty of the tournament following Atlético Madrid's shock exit the day before.

This year's Club World Cup has already seen its fair share of surprises and record-breaking moments. Bayern Munich’s 10-0 win over Auckland City earlier in the competition remains the most lopsided result in tournament history, and the 4-4 draw between Porto and Al-Ahly now stands as the joint-highest scoring match ever outside of that rout.

For Inter Miami, attention now turns to the semifinal against Paris Saint-Germain a reunion that will draw global headlines as Lionel Messi prepares to face his former club. The match is rich with narrative: Messi left PSG in 2023 after two mixed seasons in the French capital, where he struggled at times to replicate the magic of his Barcelona days despite domestic success. Facing PSG now, with a new role as the centerpiece of Inter Miami’s ambitious project, offers the Argentine legend a chance to send a powerful message on the world stage.

Palmeiras, meanwhile, prepare for an all-Brazilian semifinal against Botafogo, in a matchup that promises intensity, tactical battles, and emotional weight. Both teams are driven by the desire to bring international glory back to Brazil and both now sense that the trophy is within reach.

As the tournament moves into its final stages, one thing is certain: the 2025 edition of the Club World Cup has delivered drama, unpredictability, and a glimpse into the increasingly competitive global landscape of club football. Inter Miami may have missed out on top spot, but with Messi and Suárez still on the pitch, anything is possible.