Inter Miami lost a 2-0 lead in the closing minutes of their final Club World Cup group stage match against Palmeiras, throwing away a golden opportunity to top Group A and secure a more favorable Round of 16 draw.
Despite leading for most of the match at a packed Hard Rock Stadium, the MLS side collapsed under late Brazilian pressure, dropping to second place in dramatic fashion.
FULL TIME!
IT ALL ENDS 2-2!!What a late comeback from Palmeiras
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The Fort Lauderdale club got off to a dream start when Tadeo Allende opened the scoring in the 16th minute.
The Argentine winger capped off a brilliant solo run from midfield with a calm, placed finish, thanks to a sublime one-touch assist from veteran striker Luis Suárez. The chemistry between the two attackers lit up the crowd, and Inter Miami continued to threaten.
16' INTER MIAMI ON THE COUNTER... GOAL!!!
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Palmeiras, however, remained dangerous. Uruguayan international Facundo Torres nearly brought the sides level late in the first half with a slick move inside the box and shot that skimmed the bottom post.
32' Facundo Torres almost gives Palmeiras their first of the night
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Miami doubled their advantage early in the second half with a moment of pure magic from Suárez.
The 38-year-old rolled back the years, weaving past three Palmeiras defenders before rifling a shot into the top corner with his weaker foot — a goal worthy of the tournament’s highlight reel.
65' Luis Suarez TAKE A BOW!!
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At that moment, Inter Miami looked set to top their group, having surpassed expectations in a group shared with continental giants Palmeiras and FC Porto.
But soccer is soccer...
With qualification as group leaders nearly sealed — and a Round of 16 clash with Botafogo in sight — Miami fell apart in the final ten minutes. Palmeiras launched an aggressive final push, scoring twice in quick succession to overturn the result and leapfrog Miami into first place. The comeback stunned the home crowd and left Inter players visibly shaken.
80' PALMEIRAS GET ONE BACK
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MAURICIO MAKES IT 2 ALL ⚽
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The result means Palmeiras will now face domestic rivals Botafogo in the next round, while Inter Miami are left to face the daunting task of taking on UEFA Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, June 29 — a far more difficult path forward.
For Inter, it was a night of magic and heartbreak, brilliance undone by late-game collapse. Their dream run isn’t over, but the road just got much tougher — PSG tougher.
