Messi and Inter Miami Survive Tough Palmeiras Test
The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup group stage got a shot of drama as Inter Miami clawed out a hard-earned 2-2 draw against Palmeiras, sealing their advance into the next round. It was less of a walk in the park and more of a street brawl—the kind of match that puts reputations on the line. Going into this one, Palmeiras hadn’t conceded a single goal all tournament, looking every bit the brick wall they’re known to be in Brazil. Miami? They had the momentum but needed to prove they could hang against continental heavyweights.
The opening half was exactly as billed—tense, packed with nervous energy, and short on clear-cut chances. Anyone who put money on a halftime draw or a cagey affair probably felt like a genius as the sides went in level. Palmeiras struck first after the break, pressing their advantage and capitalizing on a rare Miami slip at the back. Yet, Inter Miami didn’t fold. In fact, it was the kind of response fans want from a team with something to prove: aggressive going forward, sharp in transition, and always pushing the tempo.
Messi’s Cunning Keeps the Dream Alive
Lionel Messi’s influence couldn’t be clearer. He wasn’t just pulling strings up front—he was making split-second decisions that changed the direction of the match. At one crucial point, Messi pulled off a textbook tactical foul, shutting down a Palmeiras break and picking up a yellow card. That moment said it all: Inter Miami were not going to get overrun on the counter. The team responded to his lead, absorbing pressure and surging back with clinical execution to equalize. Messi’s role wasn’t about dazzling dribbles or highlight-reel goals this time. It was about grit—digging in, making the smart play, and making life tough for Palmeiras whenever they looked to hit on the break.
Palmeiras, for their part, played to their identity. Their defense was as disciplined as ever, but even they couldn’t keep Miami at bay for the entire ninety minutes. The Brazilian side found the net twice, flexing their ability to take half-chances. But Miami kept fighting. Each time Palmeiras looked set to pull away, Miami countered, keeping their unbeaten run in the group alive and building momentum at the best possible time.
Group A finishes with Inter Miami second, just behind a Palmeiras side that leave with their reputation intact. The American club, buoyed by experienced heads and Messi’s steady leadership, now head into a knockout showdown against PSG—widely tipped as the tournament’s ‘best in the world’ by Miami’s Jordi Alba, who knows a thing or two about European football himself.
For Miami, this isn’t just another fixture. Taking on PSG means staring down the brightest talents football has to offer. But if this battle with Palmeiras proved anything, it’s that Inter Miami isn’t planning to roll over for anyone. As the tournament moves into the win-or-go-home phase, the world will be watching to see if Messi can inspire his new team to shake up the global order once again.