Inter Miami entered the FIFA Club World Cup as the MLS squad with the best chances to make it out of the group. Miami achieved that goal after going undefeated in the group and narrowly losing the title.
Miami has had the world watching them since Lionel Messi joined the team after leaving PSG for a new challenge.
Miami is one of the only squads in the MLS that many international fans have knowledge of or even seen play. Unfortunately, the other MLS teams only combined for one goal during the group stage and failed to represent the league well due to their poor performance.
Miami wanted to show that the MLS has the talent to compete with some of the best clubs across the world. When finishing with good results in the group, they showed fans across the world they are not there as a side show.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Top 3 Designated Players in MLS History: Legends Who Changed the League
Defeating a successful European Team
Porto FC has won the Champions League this century, resulting in them being one of the most influential teams in Europe. This is although they are in a smaller league in Europe, one that isn’t considered one of the most competitive.
Porto was the clear favorite to win the group by a large margin and have a good matchup for the knockout rounds. In the first half, it appeared as if that was going to happen as they jumped to an early lead.
Miami looked tired and slow before the half came to a close, something that has become common for Miami fans. An equalizer and a Messi free kick goals later, and Miami was in prime position to win the group as they got a win after their opening game draw.
Beating a European squad is something that doesn’t often happen for MLS clubs. They usually face off in friendlies in late summer or during the All-Star break.
This win proves there is quality in America’s top league, and they can upset anyone they play. Miami is known for its players from Europe on the roster; they do have many MLS mainstays on their team who never thought they could beat a historic club like Porto.
A Near win to claim the group
Miami usually starts slow in games, as we’ve seen in MLS play so far this season. Their last game in the group was against Palmeiras, who were also playing for the right to win the group.
Miami had a two-goal lead in the second half as they packed it in and tried to defend the game away and grab a winnable matchup in the knockout round. When you play a club like Palmeiras, which is a proven winner with eyes on the knockout round, and a matchup they believe they could win if they can get to it.
Palmeiras crawled back and tied the game up late, shocking Miami and their supporters who believed the game was over as they tried to put ice on the group stage.
Inter Miami finished second in the group and will face off against the recently crowned European champs, PSG of France.
Miami has its back against the wall as a blowout looks likely. If Miami has proved anything, it’s that you can’t count them out no matter who they face.
Main Photo
Credit IMAGO / Xinhua
Recording Date 22.06.2025