Palmeiras secured top spot in Group A at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after a dramatic 2–2 draw with Inter Miami, coming from two goals down to deny Lionel Messi’s side a historic win and set up an all-Brazilian clash with Botafogo in the Round of 16.

Heading into the game, the popular belief was that a draw would suit both sides. But the Americans had other ideas. Tadeo Allende stunned the Brazilian giants in the 16th minute, racing through from midfield and coolly slotting past Weverton. With that strike, Inter Miami momentarily moved top of the group.

Palmeiras pushed forward with urgency but were caught out again midway through the second half. Luis Suarez, who had struggled throughout the tournament, rolled back the years with a dazzling solo effort, weaving through defenders before firing high into the near corner to make it 2–0.

Despite lacking international pedigree, Inter Miami had a golden chance to claim back-to-back wins over elite opposition after their victory against Porto. But defensive lapses cost them dearly. Paulinho reduced the deficit with a clinical strike before a disastrous clearance by the home side gifted Mauricio the equaliser in the 87th minute.

The draw sees Palmeiras claim top spot on goal difference and set up a South American showdown with Botafogo. Inter Miami, meanwhile, will now face a high-stakes clash against PSG in the last 16 — pitting Lionel Messi against his former employers.

Read Which teams have qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16?

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Inter Miami - Palmeiras 2:2 (1:0)
Goals: Allende, 16 (1:0); Luis Suarez, 65 (2:0); Paulinho F., 80 (2:1); Mauricio, 87 (2:2)

Inter Miami: Ustari; Avilés; Allen; Falcón; Weigandt; Busquets; Redondo (Picault, 77); Segovia (Alba J., 67); Luis Suarez (Cremaschi, 73); Messi; Allende (Rodríguez Baltasar, 77)
Bench: Yarbrough; Ríos Novo; Martínez H.D.; Sailor; Morales; Afonso; Obando
Yellow Cards: Messi 45

Palmeiras: Weverton; Rocha (Allan, 67); Gómez Gu.; Piquerez; Murilo (Fuchs B., 18); Ríos; Veiga (Mauricio, 46); Lucas Evangelista (Vitor Roque, 67); Estêvão; Torres Fa. (Paulinho F., 54); López José
Bench: Marcelo Lomba; Giay A.; Vanderlan; Mayke; Micael; Naves; Martínez Em.; Felipe Anderson; Luighi; Thalys