Palmeiras Tops Group A; Inter Miami Advances to Face PSG Next!

Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida - On June 23, 2025, football fans packed the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, for an exhilarating clash between Inter Miami FC and Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. As the game unfolded, nerves and excitement ran high as both teams aimed to secure their spots in the knockout rounds.

Ultimately, the showdown ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. Both Inter Miami and Palmeiras finished Group A with five points apiece. However, Palmeiras‘ superior goal differential of +2 allowed them to edge ahead of Miami, who stood at +1, securing the top spot in the group and a match against Botafogo in the following round. Meanwhile, Porto and Al Ahly, both finished the group stage with only two points, found themselves eliminated from the tournament.

Group A Results

Palm Trees and Stars

Palmeiras made their mark in the group stage by qualifying as a result of winning the 2021 Copa Libertadores. They had a commendable performance, drawing 0-0 with Porto on June 15, followed by a solid 2-0 win over Al Ahly. They were fortunate to draw against Inter Miami, as they led until the 79th minute when Luis Suarez found the net for Miami, ensuring his team walked away with a hard-fought point.

On the other side of the pitch, Inter Miami’s journey to the knockout stage was sparked by their qualification as the host team and their victory in the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. A shaky start with a goalless draw against Al Ahly turned into an important win against Porto, propelled by goals from Telasco Segovia and Lionel Messi. The draw against Palmeiras showcased Miami’s resilience and growth, and manager Javier Mascherano expressed his pride in his squad, appreciating their performance against a formidable opponent. „We controlled the game towards the end,“ he remarked, highlighting the mixed emotions that come with the result.

Looking Ahead: Inter Miami vs. PSG

With the group stage behind them, Inter Miami is now preparing for their next challenge—a high-stakes Round of 16 match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) scheduled for Sunday at 12 PM ET. Renowned for their star-studded lineup and tactical prowess, PSG claimed the UEFA Champions League title last season. They present a formidable opponent with a recent reign that includes winning the Ligue 1 title as well.

What’s intriguing about this match is the reflection of Lionel Messi’s unique narrative—facing his former club. As the match approaches, Miami is set to adopt a 4-4-1-1 formation, allowing Messi to play a pivotal role in the midfield, supported by their strong forward line. PSG, however, has been noted for their ability to dominate possession and press effectively, demanding Miami’s players to tighten their defense.

This upcoming match does not just hold implications for the teams involved, but it serves as a marker for the international football landscape. As Messi’s deeper positioning has helped Miami establish better midfield balance, the stakes are undoubtedly high. The winner of this clash will move on to face either Flamengo or Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals on July 5, further amplifying the ambition surrounding this tournament.

In the grand scheme, Brazilian teams have historically thrived in such tournaments, and while Inter Miami is the only MLS side to have advanced so far, the pressure is building. With teams like Boca Juniors falling short against European standards and heavyweights like Real Madrid struggling, the question remains: Can Inter Miami rise to the occasion, or will PSG’s talent see them through to the next stage? Only time will tell.

For more information on the match’s context, check out Extra Time Talk, explore insights from MLS Soccer, and stay updated with live analysis from The New York Times.