MIAMI GARDENS, FL – Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are dominating Brazilian giants Palmeiras 2-0 in the second half at Hard Rock Stadium, putting them on the verge of advancing to the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stage. A win or draw secures their progression, while a loss would require FC Porto to defeat Al Ahly in the parallel Group A match (currently 4-3 to Al Ahly).
Live Match Updates
Inter Miami 2-0 Palmeiras
- 65’ GOAL! Luis Suárez turns back the clock with a dazzling solo run, beating multiple defenders before slotting home with his left foot to double Miami’s lead.
- 58’ Messi fires a shot over the bar after a clever headed control, seeking his first goal of the night.
- 49’ Messi’s first shot of the match is saved comfortably by the Palmeiras keeper.
- 32’ Former Orlando City star Facundo Torres misses a golden chance for Palmeiras, dragging his shot wide.
- 16’ GOAL! Tadeo Allende opens the scoring for Inter Miami, finishing a breakaway after a Luis Suárez clearance.
- 10’ Messi goes down in the box after a collision, but no penalty is given.
Al Ahly 4-3 FC Porto – Thriller in New Jersey
- 53’ Samu Aghehowa heads in a Porto equalizer (3-3), completing a frantic four-minute, three-goal sequence.
- 50’ Wessam Abou Ali completes his hat trick (3-2) moments after Porto’s William Gomes had leveled with a stunning strike.
- 23’ Porto’s teenage sensation Rodrigo Mora responds immediately to Abou Ali’s opener, making it 1-1.
- 15’ GOAL! Al Ahly strikes first as Wessam Abou Ali slots past the keeper.
Key Storylines
- Messi’s Milestone: The Argentine legend turns 38 on June 24, just hours after this match.
- Knockout Scenarios:
- If Inter Miami wins/draws, they advance alongside Palmeiras.
- If Inter Miami loses, they need Porto to beat Al Ahly to progress.
- Potential PSG Rematch: If Miami finishes second in Group A, they could face Messi’s former club, Paris Saint-Germain, in the Round of 16.
Match Details
- Kickoff: 9 PM ET (Hard Rock Stadium)
- TV/Streaming: TBS, TruTV (English), DAZN
- Betting Odds (via BetMGM):
- Inter Miami: +400
- Draw: +160
- Palmeiras: +110
- Over/Under: 2.5 goals
What’s Next?
- If Inter Miami tops Group A, they’ll face Botafogo (Brazil) on June 28 in Philadelphia.
- If they finish second, a blockbuster clash with PSG awaits on June 29 in Atlanta.