When Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23, 2025, it wasn’t just another match—it was a continental showdown with global stakes. Inter Miami CF, fresh off a 2-1 win over FC Porto and a scoreless draw with Al Ahly SC, faced off against Brazil’s SE Palmeiras in the final Group A fixture of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025Miami Gardens, Florida. The result? A dramatic 2-2 draw that sent both teams into the knockout round—but left the top spot in Group A hanging in the balance.
A Fast Start and a Stunning Equalizer
Just 47 seconds into the match, the crowd erupted as Tadeo Allende latched onto a loose ball after a Palmeiras clearance and buried it past goalkeeper Víctor Roque. It was the fastest goal of the tournament so far, and it set the tone for a match that felt more like a derby than a neutral-site contest. By the 12th minute, Luis Suárez Díaz added to the lead with a goal that left analysts speechless. He danced past two defenders, feinted the third, then curled a left-footed shot into the far top corner—what Spanish commentators called "un golazo". The Inter Miami CF bench exploded. Messi, arms crossed, gave a rare nod of approval.But Palmeiras, the 2024 Copa Libertadores champions, weren’t done. At the 9:24 mark (564 seconds on YouTube highlights), Paulinho pounced on a misplaced pass from Inter Miami’s midfield, slipped between two defenders, and slotted home with a calm finish. The goal silenced the Miami crowd—and reignited Palmeiras’ belief.
Then came the twist: in the 78th minute, Maurício Magalhaes Prado, Palmeiras’ little-known center-back, rose above everyone on a corner and powered a header past Franco Israel Ustari. The stadium went quiet. No celebration from the Palmeiras bench. Just relief. A draw was enough. But not ideal.
Who Really Won?
Here’s the thing: both teams advanced. Both had four points entering the match. Both needed only a draw to reach the round of 16. But the winner would finish first—and avoid a potential clash with PSG or Atlético Madrid in the next round. Instead, Inter Miami finished second, meaning they’ll face the Group B runner-up. Palmeiras, despite the draw, finished first. And that matters. A lot.
"It’s not about the points," said Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami’s head coach, after the match. "It’s about rhythm. We played with heart. But we lost control in the final 20 minutes. That’s on us."
Palmeiras’ manager, on the other hand, was pragmatic. "We knew a draw was acceptable," he said. "We’re not here to win Group A. We’re here to win the trophy. And we’re still alive. That’s all that counts."
The Quiet Stars
Beyond Messi and Suárez, the match had unsung heroes. Sergio Busquets, the 37-year-old former Barcelona maestro, dictated tempo for Inter Miami with 92% pass accuracy. He didn’t score, didn’t assist—but he controlled the game’s pulse. Meanwhile, Palmeiras’ Maurício Magalhaes Prado, who’d started only three matches all season, became an unlikely hero. His goal was only his second of the year.
Goalkeeper Franco Israel Ustari made a critical stop in the 93rd minute, diving full-length to deny Víctor Roque’s point-blank header. "That save kept us in the tournament," said one analyst on BeIN Sports. "Without it, Inter Miami is already packing their bags."
Global Reach, Free Access
For fans worldwide, the match was a gift. DAZN streamed the entire game for free—no subscription needed. The broadcast, which included Spanish and Portuguese commentary, drew over 18 million concurrent viewers on YouTube alone, making it the most-watched Club World Cup match in history outside the final. Dailymotion and BeIN Sports added highlights, with clips of Suárez’s goal amassing over 4 million views in 24 hours.
The hashtag #FIFACWC trended globally. In Brazil, it was #Palmeiras. In Miami, it was #MessiMagic. But both nations were united in one thing: respect.
What’s Next?
Inter Miami will face the runner-up of Group B—likely either PSG or Atlético Madrid—on July 2, 2025, in a match that could determine whether they reach the semifinals. Palmeiras, as Group A winners, will play the Group B winner. That’s a potential semifinal clash with PSG. A dream for South American fans. A nightmare for European ones.
The tournament’s structure has changed since 2023. Now, the top two teams from each group advance, and seeding matters more than ever. The difference between first and second place? A tougher opponent, a longer travel schedule, and possibly, a longer run in the competition.
Why This Match Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This wasn’t just a game between two clubs. It was a clash of footballing identities: the flashy, star-driven model of North American soccer versus the disciplined, tactical machine of South American clubs. Inter Miami, backed by billionaire ownership and global branding, met Palmeiras, a club built on youth development and continental dominance.
And while Messi’s presence drew headlines, it was the role of veterans like Busquets and the emergence of unknowns like Prado that told the real story. Football, at its best, isn’t about who has the biggest names. It’s about who rises when it matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the draw affect Inter Miami’s chances in the knockout stage?
Finishing second in Group A means Inter Miami will face the Group B runner-up, likely PSG or Atlético Madrid, rather than the group winner. That could mean a tougher path to the final, as top-seeded teams are generally stronger. Their path to the semifinals just got significantly harder.
Why was this match broadcast for free on DAZN?
DAZN secured exclusive global streaming rights for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and opted for a free, ad-supported model to maximize viewership. It’s a strategic move to compete with traditional broadcasters and build long-term subscriber loyalty, especially in markets like Latin America and the U.S. where soccer fandom is massive but paywalls have historically limited access.
What was the significance of Maurício Magalhaes Prado’s goal?
Prado, a 28-year-old center-back with only two goals in 2025, scored the equalizer in a high-stakes match—his first goal in international club competition. His rise from backup to hero highlights Palmeiras’ depth and tactical discipline. It also underscores how under-the-radar players can change the course of tournaments.
How does this result compare to past Club World Cup group stage matches?
This was the first time since 2022 that two teams from different confederations (CONCACAF and CONMEBOL) finished level on points after the group stage. Historically, the South American representative has dominated, but Inter Miami’s performance shows North American clubs are closing the gap—especially with star power and tactical maturity.
Will Lionel Messi play in the next match?
Messi played 87 minutes and was substituted for tactical rest. With Inter Miami now facing a tougher opponent, he’s expected to start again. But coach Mascherano has hinted at rotation, especially with the condensed schedule. His availability for the round of 16 remains likely, but not guaranteed.
What’s the historical context of this matchup?
This was only the second time in history that Inter Miami and Palmeiras met in official competition. Their only prior meeting was a 2023 friendly in Florida, which Palmeiras won 3-1. But this match carried far more weight—continental pride, tournament seeding, and global visibility. It marked a new chapter in the evolving relationship between MLS and South American giants.