Messi Leads Inter Miami's Thrilling 2-2 Draw Against Palmeiras to Secure Club World Cup Round of 16 Spot
Inter Miami allowed two goals in the closing stages to secure a draw against Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup, yet the Herons have successfully advanced to the knockout rounds.
Tadeo Allende found the net first in the 16th minute through brilliant counter-attacking football from the Herons. Luis Suárez set up Allende with a clever chest control as the Argentine striker broke clear on goal. Murilo Cequeira attempted to track him down but suffered an injury in the pursuit as Allende comfortably beat Weverton. An incredible moment for Major League Soccer's top representative in the competition.
Palmeiras maintained pressure throughout the opening half, but Javier Mascherano's squad defended resolutely and controlled possession effectively. While a draw would have secured their progression to the knockout phase, they appeared determined to claim victory.
Allende missed another excellent chance to extend Miami's advantage following more outstanding combination play from the Uruguayan forward, but Allende sent his effort wide of Weverton's net in the 51st minute.
Suárez switched from creator to scorer in the 65th minute with a left-footed strike. Weverton managed to get fingertips to the ball, but it nestled in the top corner as he celebrated. Paulinho pulled Palmeiras within reach in the 80th minute. Mauricio found the equalizer eight minutes later as Miami's defensive frailties emerged once again. The Brazilian team had one final chance in added time, but the match concluded in a stalemate.
Both sides have qualified for the next round of the tournament.
Securing first place in their group would have provided Miami with a better opportunity to progress beyond the round of 16. Now, they face a clash against Champions League victors and tournament favorites Paris Saint-Germain. The narratives create themselves for an unmissable encounter.
Review the player ratings from the fixture below.
Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. Porto (4-4-2)
Player Ratings Provided by FotMob
Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Oscar Ustari | 6.4 |
LB: Noah Allen | 6.6 |
CB: Maxi Falcón | 6.9 |
CB: Tomas Aviles | 6.6 |
RB: Marcelo Weigandt | 5.7 |
LM: Telasco Segovia | 6.4 |
CM: Sergio Busquets | 6.8 |
CM: Federico Redondo | 7.4 |
RM: Tadeo Allende | 7.6 |
ST: Luis Suárez | 8.6 |
ST: Lionel Messi | 7.7 |
SUB: Jordi Alba (66' for Segovia) | 6.1 |
SUB: Benjamin Cremaschi (72' for Suárez) | 6.0 |
SUB: Baltasar Rodriguez (77' for Redondo) | 6.2 |
SUB: Fafa Picault (77' for Allende) | 5.9 |
Palmeiras Player Ratings vs. Inter Miami (4-2-3-1)
Player Ratings Provided by FotMob
Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Weverton | 6.0 |
RB: Marcos Rocha | 6.7 |
CB: Gustavo Gomez | 6.8 |
CB: Murilo Cerqueira | 6.2 |
LB: Joaquin Piquerez | 6.3 |
DM: Lucas Evangelista | 6.2 |
DM: Richard Rios | 6.7 |
AM: Raphael Veiga | 6.8 |
RW: Estevao | 7.6 |
ST: Jose Lopez | 6.2 |
LW: Facundo Torres | 6.2 |
SUB: Bruno Fuchs (19' for Cerqueira) | 7.5 |
SUB: Mauricio (46' for Veiga) | 7.6 |
SUB: Paulinho (55' for Torres) | 8.0 |
SUB: Allan (67' for Rocha) | 7.4 |
SUB: Vitor Roque (68' for Evangelista) | 6.5 |