Soccer <\/p>\n
Is more history in store for Inter Miami CF<\/a> at the FIFA Club World Cup<\/a>?<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Fresh off a landmark 2-1 win<\/a> over FC Porto, the Herons host Brazil’s Palmeiras Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium (9 pm ET | DAZN.com<\/a>) with another milestone within reach: becoming the first MLS side to qualify for the tournament’s knockout stages.<\/p>\n A win or a tie would mean advancement to the Round of 16<\/a>, while even a loss could send Miami through if Al Ahly don\u2019t beat Porto (and finish with a better goal difference) in Monday\u2019s other Group A finale.<\/p>\n However, the Herons want to progress on their terms, looking to build additional momentum after earning the first-ever victory for an MLS side at the Club World Cup and becoming the first club in Concacaf history to defeat a European opponent in an official competition.<\/p>\n \u201cWe know that we can make it really far in this tournament if we believe,\u201d defender Noah Allen<\/a> told reporters on the eve of Miami\u2019s decisive showdown with Palmeiras.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026 We\u2019re going to believe that we can win and get something out of this game to advance to the next round.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n For head coach Javier Mascherano, Palmeiras present arguably the toughest test yet for Miami at the competition, given their status as one of Brazil’s biggest and most storied clubs.<\/p>\n Their success has been particularly notable under current manager Abel Ferreira, who’s led the Verd\u00e3o to two Brazilian S\u00e9rie A titles (2022, 23), two Copa Libertadores crowns (2020, 21) and a second-place finish at the 2021 Club World Cup.<\/p>\n “Clearly, it will be a very difficult game,” said Mascherano, a former Argentina international who played for Palmeiras’ main rival, Corinthians, from 2005-06. “We’re going to face a great team, a team that in recent years has won Copa Libertadores, the Brazilian league.<\/p>\n “They always play for important things in South America with a coach who’s been at the club for a long time. And it’s a club with [Brazilian] national team-level players,” such as Vitor Roque, Est\u00eav\u00e3o, Felipe Anderson and Raphael Veiga.<\/p>\n The stacked squad also includes Argentine striker Flaco L\u00f3pez, who scored in Thursday’s 2-0 win<\/a> over Al Ahly that pushed Palmeiras to the top of the Group A standings.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \u2014 Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 22, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n As dangerous as the Verd\u00e3o are, Miami also boast a star-studded roster highlighted by none other than Lionel Messi<\/a>.<\/p>\n The legendary Argentine No. 10 was in vintage form against Porto, carrying the team on his back for extended stretches of the match and building on Telasco Segovia<\/a>‘s 47th-minute equalizer with a stunning free kick that sealed the 2-1 come-from-behind win<\/a>.<\/p>\n According to fellow FC Barcelona icon Jordi Alba<\/a>, Messi gives the Herons an edge whenever he’s on the field.<\/p>\n “What\u2019s there to say? In the end, he\u2019s still a difference maker, he\u2019s the greatest player in history,” said Alba, who came on as a late sub at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and projects as a possible starter on Monday after recovering from a hamstring injury.<\/p>\n “It\u2019s a privilege to still be able to play with him.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n While Messi’s impact has been huge, Miami’s supporting cast has also contributed to this Club World Cup run.<\/p>\n Perhaps no contribution was more vital than Maxi Falc\u00f3n<\/a>‘s goal-line clearance<\/a> that prevented Porto from doubling their early lead before the Herons rallied to take all three points.<\/p>\n “Keep doing what we\u2019ve been doing,\u201d the Uruguayan center back answered when asked about the team’s mindset ahead of facing Palmeiras.<\/p>\n \u201cI know it\u2019s going to be a tough game, but we\u2019re going to try to get a favorable result to qualify.”<\/p>\n Should the Herons get the job done, they’ll play in the Round of 16 against a to-be-determined Group B opponent on June 28 or 29.<\/p>\n “We’re on the verge of possibly one of the most important games in our club’s history,” said Mascherano.<\/p>\n “May that fill us with hope to play it and not be a burden. But rather a hope and a challenge for this group of players who are doing so well up to this point.”<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \n Tough test<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Messi factor<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
Date with history<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n