Inter Miami left their first match against Al Ahly disappointed, feeling that a win was in their grasp as they let it slip away.
That made this match against Champions League regular Porto a crucial one to at least get a draw out of the end result. This match became a thriller thanks to a second-half masterclass by Miami and their star, Lionel Messi.
The expectations for the MLS were low going into the Club World Cup. Inter Miami had the best draw compared to their MLS counterparts, giving Miami the best chance to advance to the knockout rounds.
Even considering that Miami’s chances to advance were considered slim to none. After today’s win for Miami, it has given new life to the MLS teams in the competition.
Just like the articles before, I am going to go through the Miami win and preview their next game, which could be their biggest challenge yet.
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Takeaways against Porto
Miami fell by a goal in the first half of play against the more talented European side. Miami looked slow with no midfield control and no true build-up in the attack. This was a typical first-half showing for Miami that looked a lot like their 10-game struggle that ended a few weeks ago.
The tying goal came at the 47 minute off a cross to the foot of Telasco Segovia, who put it in the upper 90 of the goal. This goal gave new life to Inter Miami and their goals of advancing past the group stage.
The next big moment for Miami came off a free kick from Messi, who curved the ball away from the goalkeeper and into the net at the 54-minute mark.
As unexpected as this result may be, Messi hitting a free kick for the game-winning goal is no surprise to fans across the world who have watched him for nearly two decades now.
Miami does not look super dominant in these games; they continue to fight and bailed themselves out of what could have been a disastrous result and forced a must-win in their last group stage game.
Preview vs Palmeiras
Palmeiras, from Brazil, is looking to secure a spot in the knockout round with a win against Miami. Depending on the result against Miami and Porto’s result against Al Ahly, they could be knocked out with a loss or a draw (depends on point differential).
Palmeiras is a top-four team in Brazil, as they are no stranger to the top of the table in one of South America’s best leagues.
Inter Miami can defeat Palmeiras, though it won’t be an easy task; it is now expected for Miami to compete and get a positive result to advance to the knockout rounds.
South American Clubs have impressed the most in this competition so far. PSG fell to Brazilian foe Botafogo on Thursday in what was the most surprising result so far. Palmeiras looks to shock the rest of the world in the knockout rounds if they can get past Miami.
I predict that Miami will win this game or force a draw to advance out of the group and possibly win it. This game could end up as the most impactful win for the MLS, proving they are more than a retirement home.
Main Photo
- Credit IMAGO / XinhuaRecording Date 06/19/2025