In a night of late drama at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, Palmeiras battled back to draw 2-2 with Inter Miami, ensuring both sides advanced to the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16. The electric atmosphere set the stage for a match that swung wildly from one end to the other.
Inter Miami looked set to top Group A after going 2-0 up through a 16th-minute strike by Tadeo Allende and a clinical finish from Luis Suarez in the 65th. But the Brazilian champions refused to go quietly. A tactical shake-up paid off when Paulinho halved the deficit in the 80th minute, before Mauricio smashed home the equalizer in the 87th.
Both teams entered the night level on four points, with a draw enough to seal their progression. Palmeiras topped the group on goal difference and will now face fellow Brazilian outfit Botafogo in the last 16. Inter Miami, meanwhile, set up a blockbuster clash with Messi’s former club, Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite numerous chances and chants of his name echoing around the stadium, Lionel Messi, who turns 39 this week, was unable to find the net. Yet the result marked a milestone for Inter Miami as the only MLS side to reach the knockout phase, following the elimination of Los Angeles FC and Seattle.
Looking ahead, both teams will carry momentum and fresh confidence as they chase the Club World Cup crown, adding another chapter to their growing legacies on the global stage.
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Both Palmeiras and Inter Miami make round of 16 at Club World Cup
cgtn.com
