A thrilling 2-2 draw at Hard Rock Stadium sends both teams to the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but Inter Miami will face PSG after losing control in the final minutes.
In a dramatic clash at the Hard Rock Stadium during the third matchday of Group A at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Inter Miami and Palmeiras drew 2-2, a result that sends both sides through to the Round of 16—but with very different feelings. Inter were two goals ahead, only to concede twice and lose the top spot in the dying minutes.
The match had it all: goals, individual brilliance, drama, and late heartbreak. The scoring opened in the 16th minute with a spectacular team move. Federico Redondo cleared a cross from his own box, Luis Suárez dropped deep to link up play and, with a stunning chest pass, sent Tadeo Allende through on goal. The Argentine striker ran over half the pitch and calmly slotted it past goalkeeper Weverton. It was Allende’s ninth goal of the season.
The play also spelled trouble for Murilo, Palmeiras’ defender, who had caused a stir before the match by saying he’d celebrate like Cristiano Ronaldo if he scored. Instead, he pulled up injured while chasing Allende and had to be subbed off for Bruno Fuchs.
Inter Miami looked solid and composed for much of the first half, and early in the second, Suárez doubled the lead with a moment of magic, bulldozing through defenders and firing in a left-footed strike.
But Palmeiras mounted a response. New signing Paulinho pulled one back in the 79th minute, and just eight minutes later, Mauricio smashed in the equalizer after a poor clearance, sealing a 2-2 draw that handed Palmeiras the group win.
As a result, Palmeiras will now face Botafogo in Philadelphia in the next round, while Inter Miami will meet reigning European champions PSG in a blockbuster Round of 16 clash in Atlanta.
Despite the late disappointment, the match left plenty of positives for Javier Mascherano’s side, especially the standout performances of Luis Suárez and the emerging Tadeo Allende, while Lionel Messi remained a creative force even without scoring.
