A dramatic evening in the Club World Cup saw heartbreak and relief as Inter Miami clinched progression despite a late collapse, while Atletico Madrid bowed out early despite a win.
At DRV PNK Stadium, Inter Miami surged ahead with goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez, leading Palmeiras 2-0. But the Brazilian side clawed their way back with two late strikes from Paulinho and Mauricio, earning a 2-2 draw. The result ensured both teams ended with five points, but Palmeiras topped Group A on goal difference. Al-Ahly and Porto, despite a thrilling 4-4 draw, were eliminated.
Inter Miami, led by Javier Mascherano, now face Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16—a reunion for Messi with his former club. Though Messi had a relatively quiet game, he nearly scored with a spectacular dipping volley. Suarez, who had been subdued for most of the match, delivered a clinical second goal, but Miami couldn't hold off Palmeiras’ late charge.
Mascherano reflected positively on the performance, acknowledging the strength of their opponents and expressing pride in the team’s resilience.
Elsewhere, Atletico Madrid’s 1-0 win over Botafogo wasn’t enough to save their campaign. Diego Simeone’s team couldn’t recover from a 4-0 thrashing by PSG earlier in the group stage. PSG wrapped up their matches with a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders, thanks to goals from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi. The Sounders, despite hosting all their group games, ended without a single point.
Atletico's early exit is a major disappointment, leaving their hopes of global success in tatters. The result adds pressure on other European giants, with Chelsea also in a tight spot in Group D after losing to Flamengo.
