Inter Miami vs Palmeiras

Inter Miami, despite being an invited team, has emerged as the top MLS performer in the first two matchdays of the Club World Cup. After a scoreless draw against Al Ahly, the Herons pulled off a surprising victory against Porto in Atlanta.

elasco Segovia equalized early in the second half, nullifying Samu Aghehowa’s first-half goal, and Lionel Messi’s brilliant 57th-minute free-kick—his 50th for Inter Miami—sealed the win. This result extended their unbeaten streak to five matches (3 wins, 2 draws) since a 3-0 loss to Orlando City on May 19.

Javier Mascherano’s team heads into the third matchday needing only a draw to secure second place in Group A. A victory would propel them to the round of 16 as group leaders. Even a loss would likely see them advance in second, provided Al Ahly doesn’t defeat Porto and overcome the goal difference gap.

Palmeiras, despite two losses in their last five games, have won nine of their previous 12 competitive matches, fueling optimism for their upcoming clash on Monday. One of four teams yet to concede at the tournament, their solid defense has been pivotal. After a 0-0 draw with Porto in their opener, they cruised to a 2-0 win over Al Ahly, with a Wessam Abou Ali own goal and a Jose Manuel Lopez strike in the second half.

Sitting just ahead of Inter Miami due to a slight goal difference edge, Palmeiras need only a draw to advance as group winners. A loss to Inter Miami would jeopardize their position only if Porto defeats Al Ahly and achieves a significant goal difference swing to surpass the Verdao.