Club World Cup Drama: Inter Miami Misses Top Spot, Messi to Face Former Club Barcelona

In a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup group stage clash, Palmeiras staged a dramatic late comeback to hold Inter Miami to a 2–2 draw on Monday night in Miami Gardens, Florida. The result saw the Brazilian side top Group A on goal difference, despite both teams finishing with five points.

Late goals from Paulinho and Mauricio cancelled out a commanding performance from Inter Miami, led by veteran striker Luis Suárez. The draw means Palmeiras will now meet fellow Brazilian outfit Botafogo in the quarterfinals. Inter Miami, meanwhile, settle for second place and are set for a blockbuster showdown with Spanish giants Barcelona—Lionel Messi’s former club—in the Round of 16 in Atlanta on Saturday.

Luis Suárez Turns Back the Clock with Stunning Display

Luis Suárez proved he still has a flair for the spectacular. In the 65th minute, the 38-year-old Uruguayan doubled Miami’s lead with a masterful solo effort. After controlling a pass from the left wing, Suárez muscled past Lucas Evangelista, twisted away from Bruno Fuchs, and unleashed a ferocious half-volley that flew into the top corner past Weverton.

Suárez was also involved in the opening goal in the 16th minute. Federico Redondo cleared the ball deep from Miami’s half, and Suárez dropped back to collect it near midfield. His quick transition and clever pass teed up Tadeo Allende, who slotted home with composure to make it 1–0 for the Herons.

Palmeiras Strike Late to Salvage Draw

Palmeiras refused to go quietly. In the 80th minute, Paulinho latched onto a perfectly threaded diagonal pass from Allan and calmly finished into the far corner, slipping the ball past Benjamin Cremaschi’s attempted block.

The equalizer arrived just seven minutes later. A partial defensive clearance from Marcelo Weigandt fell to Mauricio, who wasted no time unleashing a low drive with his first touch—beating Miami’s goalkeeper and completing a remarkable turnaround.

The result means Palmeiras (1-0-2, 5 points) top the group with a better goal difference than Inter Miami (1-0-2, 5 points), thanks to their more efficient scoring and defensive record.

What Awaits in the Knockout Stage

• Palmeiras vs. Botafogo – Saturday in Philadelphia

• Inter Miami vs. Barcelona – Saturday in Atlanta

The draw sets the stage for Lionel Messi to face Barcelona, the club where he spent over two decades and rose to global superstardom. Meanwhile, Palmeiras prepare for an all-Brazilian battle against Botafogo with a semifinal spot on the line. With elite teams and storylines converging, the Club World Cup is heating up—and drama is only just beginning.