High Stakes at Hard Rock: Inter Miami vs Palmeiras in Club World Cup
The energy at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium buzzed as Inter Miami CF faced Palmeiras in a make-or-break Group A clash at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. This was uncharted territory for Inter Miami, who were eyeing their first taste of knockout-stage football in the competition. With a star-studded cast featuring Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez, fans were fired up for a spectacle—and boy, did they get one.
Here’s how it unfolded: Inter Miami wasted no time getting the crowd on their feet. By the 16th minute, Tadeo Allende pounced on a loose ball, striking first and sending shockwaves through the stands. Palmeiras, a powerhouse from Brazil, looked stunned. But the real turning point came in the second half when Luis Suárez, always hungry for the spotlight, doubled Miami’s lead with his classic poacher’s finish in the 65th minute. The dream was alive—a two-goal advantage in the biggest game of their club history so far.
But if there’s anything football refuses to offer, it’s comfort. Palmeiras weren't ready to bow out. Paulinho cut the deficit in the 80th minute, injecting nerves back into the stadium. Seven minutes later, Maurício smashed home the equalizer, silencing what had been a jubilant local crowd. Despite the late twist, the 2-2 result was enough for Inter Miami to clinch their spot in the knockout rounds. They wrapped up Group A with five points, finishing behind Palmeiras, who topped the group with seven. Both clubs advance, but it’s Miami’s milestone that lit up the headlines—making it to the World Cup knockouts in just their first group-stage run.
Who Played, What’s Next, and How to Watch
Coach Tata Martino mixed youth and experience in his squad. Sure, Messi’s name grabbed the posters, but the starting eleven blended household stars with fresh talent: Jordi Alba marshaled the defense, Busquets pulled strings in midfield, and energetic names like Benjamin Cremaschi and Federico Redondo added spark. Luis Suárez’s instincts in front of goal proved vital, and Tadeo Allende’s early strike justified his manager’s faith.
Palmeiras, meanwhile, lived up to their high billing despite the pressure. Veterans and youth alike contributed to their late-game rescue, showing why Brazilian clubs never die easy in these kinds of tournaments.
- Date/Time: June 23, 2025 | 21:00 ET
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
- Result: Inter Miami 2, Palmeiras 2
- Group Standings: Palmeiras (7 pts), Inter Miami (5 pts)
Who moves next? Inter Miami’s reward is a glamorous date with Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 29. With Messi and Suárez potentially lining up against Kylian Mbappé and PSG’s own superstars, anticipation is sky high.
For fans eager to follow every kick, every save, and every heartbreak, good news: every match streams free globally on DAZN.com, removing those usual geo-restriction headaches. Whether you’re in Miami, São Paulo, or London, there’s no missing out. In the U.S., DAZN has exclusive match coverage, ensuring American supporters ride this Club World Cup wave with their new local heroes.
With this 2-2 draw, Inter Miami have changed their own history—and maybe a bit of the Club World Cup’s as well. Now, all eyes turn to Atlanta. Will this dream run continue against PSG?
