Miami, June 24
Inter Miami and Palmeiras shared the spoils in a back-and-forth affair on Tuesday (IST) and 1-1 draw saw both sides qualify for the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Palmeiras snatched away what would have been a perfect early birthday gift for Lionel Messi. Inter Miami CF led the final Group A match for 79 minutes before the Brazilians struck twice in quick succession to secure first place in Group A.
The Herons took the lead against the run of play after Luis Suarez knocked down a long ball at midfield for an onrushing Tadeo Allende. The young Argentinian sprinted clear of Palmeiras’ defenders and coolly finished past Weverton.
Suarez then turned the clock back in the second half, slithering past multiple defenders before firing home with his left to double Inter Miami's advantage.
But with ten minutes to go, substitutes Paulinho and Allan combined with the latter finding the former breaking into the penalty area. Paulinho slotted home in front of the Palmeiras faithful, setting up a nervy final stanza.