By Adam | SoFlo Sports Buzz
June 23, 2025 | Miami, Florida
For 70 minutes, Inter Miami looked ready to deliver the biggest win in club history. And while a late collapse turned a dream into a draw, it was still enough to keep the dream alive.
Inter Miami gave up a two-goal lead in the final 10 minutes of a wild 2–2 draw with Brazilian giants Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday night. Despite the frustration of the finish, the result was enough to send both teams into the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup. Miami advances as runner-up from Group A and will now face Paris Saint-Germain in a one-off knockout match on June 29 in Atlanta.
The match marks another historic milestone for the South Florida club — now the first MLS team to advance past the group stage of the expanded global tournament.
Allende Sparks a Bright Start
Inter Miami came out fearless against the heavily favored Palmeiras, pressing high and keeping shape defensively. Their reward came early. In the 16th minute, midfielder Tadeo Allende collected a pass from Luis Suárez, then drove through the heart of the Palmeiras defense on a solo run from midfield. After shrugging off a challenge, he calmly finished past Weverton to give Miami a 1–0 lead.
It was a statement moment — not just for the match, but for the club’s future. Allende, a 25-year-old Argentine signed in the offseason, looked unfazed on the big stage, and Miami played with rhythm and purpose behind him.
Suárez Delivers a Classic
The lead doubled in the 66th minute through a moment of pure class from Luis Suárez. After receiving the ball wide on the left, the veteran striker cut inside, created space on his right foot, and fired to the near post. The finish was clinical. The celebration — all fire and grit — was classic Suárez.
At 2–0, Miami was flying. Messi was pulling strings in the middle, Busquets was dictating the tempo, and the back line had limited Palmeiras’ chances. But then, as has happened more than once this season, the final act went sideways.
Palmeiras Strikes Back
Palmeiras didn’t panic. In the 80th minute, Paulinho found space near the penalty spot and fired past Oscar Ustari to cut the deficit to 2–1. Seven minutes later, Miami failed to clear a loose ball inside the box, and Maurício pounced — drilling a bouncing half-volley into the back of the net to tie the match at 2–2.
Still, History Made
Despite the letdown, the result was good enough. Both Palmeiras and Inter Miami finish Group A with five points, with Palmeiras taking the top spot on goal difference. But Inter Miami moves on — and that alone is a major achievement.
With the draw, Inter Miami becomes the first MLS team to advance to the knockout stage of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup. Their next challenge? A high-stakes, winner-take-all match against Paris Saint-Germain on Saturday, June 29 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
PSG — Messi’s former club — enters as UEFA champions and one of the tournament’s top contenders. For Inter Miami, it will be their toughest match ever. Ever.
Mascherano’s Vision Takes Shape
Credit also goes to manager Javier Mascherano, whose tactical setup on the night was spot on — for about 80 minutes. The midfield trio of Busquets, Allende, and Redondo looked sharp and disciplined, and Miami pressed intelligently for long stretches.
The team’s ability to break lines, create from wide areas, and absorb pressure for most of the match signals progress. But late-game fatigue and defensive lapses remain an issue. Against a club like PSG, those mistakes will be punished even more harshly.
Still, Mascherano’s side continues to evolve. And with a healthy core of veterans and emerging young talent, Miami heads to Atlanta with belief.
Final Word
Inter Miami wanted the win. They’ll know they let it slip. But the bigger story is that they’re still alive — and now heading into a massive showdown with one of the biggest clubs in the world.
It won’t be easy. But with Messi, Suárez, and the entire tournament watching, they’ll have their shot.
And that’s all this team has ever needed.
Check out the highlights from the match.