MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — In a thrilling encounter at Hard Rock Stadium, Palmeiras staged a late comeback to secure a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami, allowing both teams to advance to the Club World Cup round of 16 on Monday night.
Palmeiras, a storied Brazilian club, found their equalizer in the 87th minute through Mauricio after trailing for much of the match.
Circumstances allowed the draw to serve as a passage to the knockout phase for both teams, as they entered the contest level with four points each in Group A.
Inter Miami seemed primed to top the group following a 2-0 lead secured by goals from Tadeo Allende in the 16th minute and veteran Luis Suarez in the 65th minute.
However, managerial changes by Palmeiras in the second half paid dividends. Substitute Paulinho sparked a resurgence with a goal in the 80th minute, paving the way for Mauricio to secure the dramatic equalizer moments later.
Despite Miami’s fans chanting Lionel Messi’s name throughout, the football icon, who turns 39 on Tuesday, was unable to find the back of the net.
A pivotal moment came when Messi was visibly dejected, shaking his head as Mauricio slipped past Miami’s defense to level the match. Inter Miami’s lead had slipped away in just minutes.
Group A concluded with Palmeiras ahead on goal difference, earning them a face-off against another Brazilian team, Botafogo, in the round of 16. Meanwhile, Inter Miami, as the only Major League Soccer team to progress, prepares to meet Group B winners Paris Saint-Germain, Messi’s former club.
Post-match reactions reflected pride and determination. Suarez, speaking through an interpreter, highlighted the significance of competing at such a level, acknowledging the tournament’s challenges. He emphasized the experience as a benchmark for MLS capabilities.
Palmeiras coach Abel Moreira, through an interpreter, expressed satisfaction with the draw, noting that it was a fair outcome given Inter Miami’s first-half performance. He remarked on the team’s mission to advance, irrespective of doing so via a tie or win.