Palmerias regrouped themselves from two goals down to get a 2-2 draw against Inter Miami to qualify top of Group A for the Club World Cup last 16 on Monday. This result allowed both teams to get to the knockout phase. In this article, get in-depth information about this thrilling match and know what awaits both these awesome teams in the future.
Goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez gave Miami a two-goal lead
Goals from both Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez provided Miami with a two-goal lead. But, Paulinho and Mauricio scored in the last 10 minutes to get Palmeiras back on track. Both these teams finished on five points, Inter Miami being second on goal difference. Al-Ahly and Porto were both eliminated from this tournament.
Miami Started with a 2-0 Lead
Though Inter Miami got an early and impressive 2-0 lead, they had to settle for a 2-2 draw against Brazilian club Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium to end the group stage in the Club World Cup. This was the night before Messi’s birthday and the entire game had Messi shake his head in disbelief.
Inter Miami Advanced to the Round of 16
The major US soccer league got close to winning Group A but yet they advanced to the round of 16 in the tournament due to the draw. Inter Miami is the only major soccer league club to advance to the club world cup knockout rounds. Other clubs like Seattle Sounders and Los Angeles FC have both been eliminated.
Inter Miami Will Face Paris Saint-Germain Next
Lionel Messi’s team Inter Miami will face his old team Paris Saint-Germain next. This is the club that the legendary soccer player left two years ago. These two teams will meet for a match on June 29th in Atlanta. Not only was Messi disappointed by this draw, but his time was as well. This is because Mauricio knotted the score for Palmeiras in the 87th minute, while Paulinho scored in the 80th.
This Spoiled the Early Birthday Present for Messi
The entire game between Inter Miami and Palmerias spoiled an early birthday present for Messi. Though they could secure a draw, a win would’ve been better for America’s soccer club. Tadeo Allende scored in the 16th minute, and Luis Suarez doubled the score in the 65th minute for Inter Miami. But unfortunately, late goals by the Palmerias evened the score and led to a draw.
Messi’s Health Status
Though Messi experienced some uneasiness in the second half of Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over FC Porto last Thursday in Atlanta, he could finish the match. Messi also practiced along with his Inter Miami teammates before the match this Monday. He is healthy now and is probably celebrating his birthday with family and friends.
The Crowd Was Heavily Favoring Palemerias
In this game, the crowd favored the Palmeiras creating an atmosphere that made it seemed like it was an away game for hosts Miami. The Brazilian club started the game with high-intensity but despite everything, the final ball didn’t have precision. Miami scored goals earlier but ultimately Palmerias evened the score with two goals of their own.
Messi’s Overall Influence on the Game Was Evident
Despite not recording an assist or scoring a goal, Messi made a significant impact on the game. Two of the Argentine soccer legend’s shots were on goal; the first was well-aimed but was unable to go past the goalie. The other shot just sailed over the crossbar. If the second goal attempt was on target, the entire complexion of the game could be changed.
What Were the Best Scenarios for Inter Miami to Advance in Club World Cup
The top best-case scenarios that allows Inter Miami to advance in Club World Cup are as follows:
- A win vs Palmeiras
- A draw vs Palmerias
- A loss vs. Palmeiras, Porto beats Al Ahly
Will Messi Be There Against Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup?
This can be an interesting storyline for this club world cup finals. It is likely that Messi will be present to face one of his former teams in the knockout stage. Group B was decided Monday, now group A is also settled. Messi’s former team, Paris Saint-Germain has won Group B after a 2-0 over MLS side Seattle Sounders, while Atlético Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann scored in the 87th minute to push Brazilian side Botafogo to Group B runner-up.
Though it is a disappointing result for Botafogo, which upset PSG 1-0 in their second group-stage match. Both teams will be advancing to the later stages or rounds. All these points to Messi facing his former team some days later in the knockout stage.
Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano is Proud of his Team for Advancing to the Knockout Stages
Inter Miami’s manager was a little unhappy over his club’s missed opportunity to get three points and a group stage top seed after going up 2-0. But, despite that, he was proud of his team for advancing to the knockout stages after they were considered an underdog. He said, “Unfortunately, we had the game in our hands and it slipped away,” he told DAZN after the match. “We couldn’t maintain the intensity until the final whistle against a team with real quality and depth. Overall, the squad showed they belong here. Before the tournament, we were practically the underdogs, but with discipline, fight—and above all, football—we overcame obstacles, grew as a team, and now we’re in the quarterfinals.”
Final Thoughts
Inter Miami Black tore up 2- 0 lead with penalty losses, but they still continued to maintain some chance of comfort in being advanced to the Quarter-finals of the Club World Cup after they made through the group stage against Palmeiras. The thrilling draw indicated how quickly they have improved, and the possibility to be a good competitor on the world stage. Everyone can watch Messi face his old club for a major match, leading up to the confrontation against Paris.
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