Overview
Inter Miami is a team participating in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 as a guest. However, they are certainly the MLS team with the best record after the first two matches.
After a goalless draw with Al Ahly, Miami surprised everyone when they defeated Porto in the second round. Lionel Messi took a stunning free kick in the 57th minute to bring home 3 valuable points for Miami.
Messi's 50th goal for Inter Miami finally made the difference at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. They are currently unbeaten in five games since losing 0-3 to Orlando City on 19/5 (3 wins, 2 draws).
Coach Rafael Mascherano's team entered the group stage with the belief that 1 point would be enough for them to secure second place. Meanwhile, a certain victory will help them continue to the top of the table.
Even if they lose, the MLS team will still finish in second place in Group A, as long as Al Ahly does not beat Porto in the remaining match.
Palmeiras may have lost two of their last five games, but they have won nine of their previous 12 official games. This will help them hope for another victory.
They are one of four teams yet to concede at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, with a solid defence that has played a key role in Palmeiras' impressive start to the tournament.
The Brazilian team drew without a goal in the opening match against Porto, before they beat Al Ahly 2-0 to win their first league match.
Palmeiras scored twice in the second half, thanks to an own goal by Wessam Abou Ali and the efforts of Jose Manuel Lopez. They are currently above Inter Miami thanks to their goal difference and only need a draw to maintain their position.
If Palmeiras lose to Miami, they will be eliminated in the case of Porto defeating Al Ahly and creating a necessary change in the goal difference.
Personnel situation
Inter Miami will be without goalkeepers Drake Callender and Gonzalo Lujan, while Yannick Bright is unlikely to feature after missing both of the first two games of the season.
Marcelo Weigandt and Ian Fray are also still doubtful to play for Miami. However, Jordi Alba has returned from injury and can start.
On the other side of the front line, Palmeiras still does not have the service of striker Bruno Rodrigues, who is recovering from a knee injury.
With the team keeping a clean sheet, Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira could continue to use a trio defense of Agustin Giay, Gustavo Gomez and Murilo Cerqueira.
Meanwhile, midfielder Mauricio and striker Flaco Lopez are pushing for a starting position after coming on as substitutes against Al Ahly.
Expected lineup:
Inter Miami: Ustari, Aviles, Falcon, Allen, Alba, Allende, Cremaschi, Busquets, Segovia, Messi, Suarez
Palmeiras: Weverton, Giay, Gomez, Murilo, Torres, Rios, Moreno, Piquerez, Estevao, Mauricio, Lopez.
The match between Inter Miami and Palmeiras takes place at 8:00 a.m. on June 24 (Vietnam time).
