After 2 matches in Group A, Inter Miami has 4 points. They drew 0-0 with Al Ahly and defeated FC Porto with a score of 2-1. The American team is currently on the same score as Palmeiras (Brazil) but is behind due to losing the secondary index.
In the final round, Inter Miami - a team founded 5 years ago will meet Palmeiras. With just a draw, Inter Miami will qualify for the round of 16. However, coach Rafael Mascherano does not want his players to leave everything to chance.
"We are facing one of the most important matches in the history of our club. It would be a big mistake if we entered the game thinking not about playing but only about the result. I think that when you only think about the result, certain things can happen in the match, making it very difficult to return.
In the end, our idea is to win like we always do, like every time we go into a game, whether it's the Club World Cup, MLS, Champions League or any other tournament we go into," said Mascherano.
Inter Miami has not been stable in the MLS. However, at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, they played beyond expectations. Especially in the second match, they defeated FC Porto with a score of 2-1, despite the opponent Portugal being rated much higher.
According to Mascherano, his students should not be too excited when entering the match against Palmeiras - a very strong team in Brazil. We want to win with a clear plan, he said. We will not be too excited, we must minimize Palmeiras' strengths and try to take advantage of and expose their weaknesses."
Mascherano's confidence was boosted by the return of defender Jordi Alba. The Spaniard missed the match against Al Ahly due to injury and played 11 minutes against FC Porto.
"F medically, I feel healthy. I have been out for 3 weeks, but honestly I didn't miss too many matches, because there was FIFA Days.
Facing strong teams will help us become sharper, and if we can make it to the knockout stage directly, the team can think about the prospect further. I really believe Inter Miami are on the right track and the whole team must continue to promote that, said Jordi Alba.
Inter Miami is a team that owns many superstars in world football, even though they are on the other side of their career decline such as Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba or Sergio Busquets. Coach Mascherano himself was a teammate of these famous players, when he played for Barcelona.
The Inter Miami vs Palmeiras match will take place at 8:00 a.m. on June 24.
