Inter Miami, featuring Lionel Messi, clinched their spot in the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a dramatic 2-2 draw against Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, marking the end of their Group Stage.

Palmeiras claimed first place in the group, while Miami secured second, as the teams shared points in an exhilarating four-goal encounter in Group A.

Miami struck first in the first half via a swift counterattack. Luis Suarez provided the assist to a charging Tadeo Allende, who calmly finished one-on-one with the goalkeeper to put the Herons ahead 1-0.

Suarez then added to Miami's lead himself in the 65th minute with an outstanding strike, making it 2-0 and seemingly ensuring victory. However, Palmeiras mounted a late comeback, with midfielder Paulinho scoring in the 80th minute and substitute Mauricio leveling the score in the 88th minute to finish at 2-2.

Palmeiras nearly snatched a winner in the dying moments, but Paulinho's effort was stopped by Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano lamented the missed chance to win after leading 2-0, yet expressed pride in his team's underdog journey to the knockout rounds.

“We had the match under control, but it slipped away," he told DAZN after the game. "We couldn't sustain the intensity against a team of such quality and depth. Still, the squad has proven they belong here. As underdogs at the start, we've advanced through discipline, determination, and skill, reaching the quarterfinals."

With this result, both teams advanced to the Round of 16. Inter Miami will face Messi's former club, the reigning European champions Paris Saint-Germain, while Palmeiras will take on Brazilian rivals Botafogo in Philadelphia.

“This level of competition is uncommon in our domestic league," Mascherano added. "We've shown no hesitation—it's been a valuable learning experience, and we've earned the right to challenge the European champions. We'll compete fully; ultimately, it's 11 players against 11."