Inter Miami CF vs SE Palmeiras
El Pistolero. Lucho had one last bullet in the chamber, and he made it count. Shot us back straight into 2015. Could’ve sworn he was still wearing the Blaugrana for a second. Gave his best pal Messi a ticket to the Round of 16 for his birthday. A moving performance from the boys in pink that leaves them as the last beacon of hope for American teams in the competition. Almost faltered at the end, but Palmeiras deserved to get a point out of this one and go through as well. What a game it’ll be between PSG and Inter Miami. Surely it’d be too hard a task to make it through the reigning UCL champions. But as last night proved, you can never count out Lucho and Leo. We’re just thankful they can still give us nights to capture like yesterday’s.
Photography by: Gabriel Bayona Sapag
Inter Miami CF secured a historic spot in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 after a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras on Monday night at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. Despite surrendering a two-goal lead, the Florida side’s performance was enough to finish second in Group A, advancing alongside group leaders Palmeiras.
Inter Miami took the lead in the 16th minute through a stunning effort by Tadeo Allende. A defensive clearance from Federico Redondo was expertly controlled by Luis Suárez, who flicked the ball into Allende’s path. The young Argentine broke free, outpacing Palmeiras’ defense, and slotted a composed finish past goalkeeper Weverton.
The Herons doubled their advantage in the 65th minute with a moment of vintage Suárez magic. The Uruguayan forward received the ball on the edge of the box, danced past a defender, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner. It was Suárez’s first goal of the 2025 tournament and his sixth career strike in the Club World Cup.
Trailing by two goals, Palmeiras made tactical changes that shifted the momentum. Substitute Paulinho reignited hope for the Brazilian side in the 80th minute, finishing a well-placed through ball from Allan with a calm strike to the far post.
With the Palmeiras faithful roaring their team forward, Mauricio completed the comeback in the 87th minute. A poorly cleared ball fell to the substitute, who fired a precise shot from the edge of the box to level the score and secure the group’s top spot for his team.
“It’s a historic night for the MLS,” said Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano. “We’re into the last 16 of the Club World Cup, and all of Major League Soccer should be proud. We faced one of South America’s best teams and showed we belong on this stage.”
Defender Noah Allen expressed mixed emotions. “It’s bittersweet. We’re proud of our effort but disappointed to let the lead slip.”
Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira praised his team’s resilience. “Our fighting spirit in the second half was crucial, and we were rewarded for it.”
Inter Miami will now face Group B winners and European champions Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, June 29, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Palmeiras will take on fellow Brazilian side Botafogo in an all-CONMEBOL clash in Philadelphia.
While Inter Miami’s journey in the tournament continues, the draw marks another milestone in the team’s rapid rise on the global soccer stage. For fans and players alike, the chance to compete against the best in the world underscores the strides made by both the club and Major League Soccer.
