Inter Miami Surrender Lead in Draw Against Palmeiras but Advance to Club World Cup Knockouts

Inter Miami Held to 2-2 Draw by Palmeiras, Still Advances to Club World Cup Round of 16

In a dramatic encounter in Miami Gardens on Monday, Inter Miami were pegged back by Palmeiras, resulting in a 2-2 draw. Despite surrendering a two-goal lead late in the game, both sides secured their spots in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup.

Tadeo Allende opened the scoring for the Herons in the 16th minute with a clinical run and finish. Soon after the hour mark, Luis Suárez extended the lead to 2-0, converting a slick move into the corner of the net. However, Palmeiras mounted an impressive comeback in the final ten minutes; Paulinho struck in the 80th minute, and Mauricio levelled the score with a penalty seven minutes later.   

Both Inter Miami and Palmeiras concluded the group stage on five points, but Palmeiras topped Group A on goal difference. Inter Miami, second in the group, earned a historic milestone as the only MLS team to reach the knockout stages of this revamped competition.  

Moving forward, Inter Miami are set to face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16—reigniting old connections for Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, who will reunite with former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique. Meanwhile, Palmeiras will clash with Botafogo next, following their first-place finish.