Preview: Inter Miami meet Palmeiras in Group A showdown
Inter Miami return to the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens to face Palmeiras in their final group stage match of the Club World Cup, with progress to the knockout stages looking likely.
By James Nalton
It will take a win for Al Ahly against Porto and a four-goal swing in goal difference to deny Inter Miami a place in the last 16.
The tournament had its Lionel Messi moment in Inter Miami’s previous game against Porto, and Inter Miami fans, and maybe some neutrals, will be hoping for more of the same.
Inter Miami have one foot in the last 16
In a reflection of Inter Miami’s 2025 season so far, both their results in the Club World Cup group stage have not gone according to pre-match expectations.
They might have been expected to defeat Al Ahly in the tournament opener, but drew 0-0.
Then, a defeat might have been predicted for them against Portuguese giants Porto, but they ran out 2-1 winners thanks to a classic Messi free-kick, having come back from a goal down.
It leaves them well placed in the group going into the final round of games. Because the tiebreakers are judged first on record between the teams tied in the table, rather than overall goal difference, the win against Porto puts them in a strong position.
Only Al Ahly can take Inter Miami’s place, and the Egyptian side would need to defeat Porto, and Inter Miami would need to lose to Palmeiras, along with a four-goal change in goal difference for that to happen.
If there is only a three-goal swing, it could come down to the fair-play table.
Though Inter Miami’s qualification looks all but assured, this is an unpredictable team playing in what has at times been an unpredictable tournament.
A South American edge
Given the large number of South American players in Inter Miami’s squad, this game could well have a Copa Libertadores feel to it.
Some of the entertainment seen in Conmebol’s premier continental club football competition has been transferred to this Club World Cup, and it’s been all the better for it.
From the atmosphere provided by the fans to the often frantic action on the pitch, this tournament has been at its best when teams from the south have been involved.
Inter Miami boast a large South American contingent, not least Messi himself, and fellow experienced big-name forward Luis Suárez, so this could provide similar entertainment.
A place at the top of Group A is up for grabs in this game, though, depending on what happens in Group B — who will be opponents of Group A teams in the last 16 — finishing top might not be a bonus.
The Palmeiras Messi
The Brazilian team features teenage star Estêvão, who will move to English Premier League side Chelsea after this tournament.
The highly-rated 18-year-old earned the nickname Messinho during his time in youth football, due to his likeness to Messi when dribbling on his left foot.
Though that moniker has since worn off as he made a name for himself, a match against his idol will provide additional intrigue.
Elsewhere, Palmeiras remains one of only two teams, along with Manchester City, not to have conceded a goal at this tournament.
They face the considerable task of keeping Messi quiet if they are to maintain that record.
Prediction
Draw. Palmeiras will be fancied to win this game, but having shown against Porto that they can mix it with European teams, Inter Miami will be looking to prove they can do the same against South American opposition.
(Cover Image from IMAGO)
You can follow every match from the Club World Cup with FotMob — featuring deep stats coverage including shot maps, xG, and player ratings. Download the free app here.