The Inter Miami vs Palmeiras clash in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup wasn’t just a group-stage formality—it was a cinematic rollercoaster. Held at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on June 24, the match saw Inter Miami leap to a 2–0 lead before squandering it late to settle for a dramatic 2–2 draw.
Tadeo Allende opened the scoring in the 16th minute, followed by a clinical strike from Luis Suárez in the 65th. For a moment, the pink-and-black army seemed poised to top Group A. But Palmeiras struck back with goals from Paulinho (80’) and Mauricio (87’), flipping the group dynamics and snatching first place via goal difference.
That one slip-up? It’s huge. Instead of a possibly smoother knockout path, Inter Miami now faces Paris Saint-Germain—yes, Lionel Messi’s ex-club—in the Round of 16. And you thought soap operas were dramatic.
The Messi vs PSG Saga: Football, Revenge, and Destiny
Let’s talk about fate’s cruel sense of humor.
Lionel Messi, now the heartbeat of Inter Miami, will lock horns with Paris Saint-Germain, the club where he spent two stormy seasons post-Barcelona. His time in Paris was anything but rosy—awkward adaptation, jeers from home fans, and a lukewarm farewell. Oh, and a little 2022 World Cup victory over France just to spice things up.
Now, he’ll go toe-to-toe with PSG’s new-look juggernaut, fresh off demolishing Inter Milan 5–0 in the UEFA Champions League final. Can Messi script a revenge thriller against his former squad, led by old pal turned rival Luis Enrique?
MLS’s Last Stand: Inter Miami, the Unexpected American Hero
While Seattle Sounders and LAFC bowed out early, Inter Miami carries Major League Soccer’s last hope. A franchise not even a decade old, the Herons have become America’s football fairy tale, powered by the golden trident of Messi, Suárez, and Busquets—a Barcelona reunion that somehow works better in Florida.
Their advance to the knockout rounds is more than symbolic. It’s a statement: MLS can compete globally, and not just for jersey sales or social media clout (though their Instagram growth—6x since Messi’s arrival—is bonkers).
Betting Tip from 188bet
According to opening odds from 188bet, PSG enters the match as the favorite at -1.5 Asian Handicap, while Inter Miami sits at +1.5 with odds of 3.80 to win outright. The total goals line is set at 3.0, suggesting expectations of another goal-laden battle.
What’s Next: Messi vs PSG in a Win-or-Go-Home Battle
Circle the date. Turn on the alerts. Tattoo it on your arm if you must—Inter Miami vs PSG in the Round of 16 might just be the biggest narrative matchup in Club World Cup history. It’s Messi’s past versus his present. It’s revenge, redemption, and real-world football drama all packed into 90 minutes.
Can Inter Miami pull off a miracle? Or will Paris rewrite Messi’s ending one final time?
🧠 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
2–2 draw. Inter Miami led 2–0 but conceded twice in the final 10 minutes.
Yes. They advanced to the Round of 16 but finished second in Group A behind Palmeiras.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Lionel Messi’s former club and reigning UEFA Champions League winners.
This will be Messi’s first competitive match against PSG since leaving the club, where his tenure was turbulent and emotional.
Seattle Sounders and LAFC were eliminated in the group stage. Inter Miami is the only MLS team to advance.
According to 188bet, PSG is favored with a -1.5 handicap. Over/under is set at 3.0 goals, with Inter Miami considered a major underdog.
Conclusion: The Club World Cup’s Plot Twist No One Saw Coming
The Inter Miami vs Palmeiras draw may not have ended in victory, but it set the stage for something even bigger: Messi vs PSG in a high-stakes elimination game. For MLS fans, it’s a moment of pride. For global football lovers, it’s a must-watch drama. And for Messi? It’s personal.
Want more insights, betting previews, or tactical breakdowns?
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