Inter Miami has successfully navigated the group stage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, qualifying for the high-stakes Round of 16 after securing a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras on Monday. This result saw the MLS side finish second in Group A, maintaining an impressive unbeaten record throughout their initial matches in the tournament.
As the sole representative from Major League Soccer to advance to the knockout phase, Inter Miami now faces a monumental challenge: a clash with European champions Paris Saint-Germain. This matchup is particularly significant as it pits global superstar Lionel Messi against his former club, where he played for two seasons from 2021 to 2023.
The upcoming encounter has already generated considerable buzz, with players acknowledging the magnitude of facing one of the world’s elite teams.
Qualification Drama and Group A Outcomes
Miami’s qualification was sealed in a thrilling draw against Palmeiras. The South Florida club established an early lead with a goal from Tadeo Allende in the 16th minute, followed by a Luis Suárez strike in the 65th minute, putting them comfortably ahead 2-0. However, the Brazilian side mounted a late comeback, with Paulinho scoring in the 80th minute and Mauricio finding the net in the 87th minute to level the score.
The dramatic finish meant Miami secured a draw instead of a win. While they finished the group stage unbeaten (one win, two draws), the draw saw Palmeiras top Group A on goal difference, relegating Miami to the second spot. This result ultimately determined Miami’s Round of 16 opponent.
Reflecting on the match, Luis Suárez admitted the late goals were costly: “We had it all there… For a moment, we already saw ourselves playing against Botafogo [if we had won], but football is like this. You lose focus for 15 seconds, 30 seconds, and you pay dearly for it.”
Despite the late setback, the team is proud of their achievement. Coach Javier Mascherano reportedly called it an “historic night for MLS,” celebrating the club’s successful navigation into the top 16 and their determined play.
Meanwhile, the other Group A match between Porto and Al Ahly ended in a dramatic 4-4 draw, a result that saw both teams eliminated from the competition regardless of the scoreline due to Miami and Palmeiras securing the top two spots.
Facing the European Champions: PSG
Miami’s second-place finish in Group A sets up the highly anticipated showdown against Group B winners, Paris Saint-Germain.
PSG secured their place at the top of Group B by defeating MLS side Seattle Sounders 2-0, with goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi. This win, coupled with their earlier results, ensured they finished ahead of both Botafogo and Atletico Madrid on goal difference in a tight group where three teams finished tied on points. Spanish heavyweight Atletico Madrid notably became the first major European side eliminated from the tournament, finishing third in Group B. Botafogo qualified as group runners-up, marking a significant achievement.
The clash between Inter Miami and PSG brings together former teammates and a manager reunion. Not only will Lionel Messi face the club he represented before joining Miami, but Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets will also reunite with their former FC Barcelona coach, Luis Enrique, who now manages PSG.
Players React to the PSG Challenge
Inter Miami left back Jordi Alba did not mince words when describing the upcoming opponent, labeling PSG the “current best in the entire world.”
“I’m proud of the team, and now we’re competing against a top team like PSG,” Alba commented. “It’s great. For me, they’re playing the best football in Europe… it’s obviously a very difficult match, but we’re going to try to compete.”
Alba also lauded his former manager: “For me, Luis Enrique is the best coach in the world. I know him very well.”
Despite the daunting task, Alba and his teammates hold onto hope. “Why not dream of beating the European champion? It will be very difficult. We know the quality of all the players,” Alba stated, adding, “This is football… why not dream?”
Suárez echoed the sentiment, acknowledging the difficulty but highlighting Miami’s capabilities: “We know it’s going to be very difficult, very complicated, but we have the tools we need to compete.”
Alba further praised PSG’s overall strength: “They’re the ones who play the best football today. They’re very versatile, with very good wide players, and guys in midfield who have the ball. Overall, they’re the most complete team, for me.”
Match Details
The blockbuster Round of 16 encounter between Inter Miami and Paris Saint-Germain is scheduled to take place on June 29 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Inter Miami’s unbeaten run has set the stage for an unforgettable Club World Cup showdown against a European giant, testing their mettle on the global stage.
