Watch: Messi’s Pinpoint Assist Sets Up Inter Miami’s Opener

Inter Miami and Palmeiras fought out a 2-2 draw to dramatic conclusion in the final Group A match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 which had the tension of a knockout round and the vibe of a final. Although the scoreline guarantees both teams will get to the next round, the game will be remembered thanks to one of the greatest players of all time (Messi) who was not officially credited with the assist but did help spark the first goal. This was not the usual football game on the other but a very serious one, as it was played at America with more than 60,000 fans present at the full Hard Rock Stadium. To Inter Miami, it was a chance to stamp authority in their very first FIFA Club World Cup edition. Palmeiras would face a character test against a team that was trying to be built around two icons of football Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. A Goal That Began With Genius The opening goal in the 16th minute was a showcase of Inter Miami’s tactical transition — and more so, Messi’s footballing IQ. Dropping into midfield, Messi collected the ball near the halfway line and, with minimal space, delivered a subtle but deadly vertical pass between two Palmeiras midfielders. The move instantly shifted the momentum of the play. Luis Suárez received the ball, shielding it brilliantly before flicking it into the path of Tadeo Allende. Allende’s finish — a composed right-footed shot low into the corner — was clean, but it was Messi’s initial involvement that dismantled Palmeiras’ structure. Though official records gave Suárez the assist, analysts and fans alike were quick to praise Messi’s role in orchestrating the goal. It was a textbook example of a “pre-assist” — the kind of pass that rarely makes headlines but often defines games. “It all started with Messi. The vision to break lines, the timing — you just can’t teach that,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano in the post-match press conference. Suárez Strikes Again After a measured and disciplined first half, Inter Miami doubled their advantage in the 65th minute. This time, there was no debate about the scorer. Luis Suárez, showing signs of his old self, pounced on a loose ball just inside the area. With a quick shift to his left foot, he rifled a shot into the top left corner. Palmeiras goalkeeper Marcelo Lomba was left rooted as the Uruguayan celebrated with arms outstretched. It was a reward not only for Suárez’s persistence but also for the balance Inter Miami had shown up to that point — maintaining over 50% possession, creating higher-quality chances, and executing transitions with precision. Palmeiras' Late Surge Yet in football, control means little without concentration, especially against a club with Palmeiras’ pedigree. Despite being second-best for much of the night, the Brazilian giants showed why they remain one of South America's elite. In the 80th minute, Allan’s well-weighted through ball found Paulinho in the left channel. The forward cut inside and unleashed a low shot past Óscar Ustari. It was the first real lapse in Miami’s back line — and it proved costly. Seven minutes later, a loose clearance invited pressure again. Palmeiras’ Maurício, who had been quiet until that point, picked up the ball at the edge of the box and curled in a sublime finish to level the score at 2–2. In the blink of an eye, Inter Miami’s two-goal cushion had evaporated. Messi’s Visible Disappointment At the whistle, Lionel Messi, who had been key to this point, got off the field head down, lip pursed. The cameras have caught on him walking directly down the tunnel, without going through the customary hand shake line. Members of the team subsequently confirmed that his anger was not only down to the score-line, but also due to what he reportedly saw as a lack of control in the last 10 minutes of the game. More than 20 years of magic. Another year of Messi.Lionel Andrés Messi turns 38 today. 🎂✨#FIFACWC | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/6LkMZUAWl0— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) June 24, 2025 and you can easily see his exasperation. It was under the control of Inter Miami. The victory would have seen them emerge the group leaders and would not face an uphill task in the quarter finals. Rather, the lottery result translates into a rematch with who other than Paris St. Germain - the former club of the striker and one of the favorites of the tournament. The Bigger Picture: Tactics, Trends, and Turnarounds From a tactical standpoint, this match was a tale of two halves. Inter Miami dominated the central channels in the first 45 minutes. Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo controlled the tempo, often feeding Messi, who operated in a free role behind Suárez. The front pairing’s chemistry was undeniable — a result of years spent together at Barcelona. But Palmeiras adjusted in the second half. Coach Abel Ferreira introduced Allan and Maurício, who added energy and vertical threat. Palmeiras increased their final third entries from 34 in the first half to 58 by full-time. The shift paid dividends. Statistically, Palmeiras had more shots (22 to Miami’s 8), more entries into the penalty area, and dominated aerial duels in the final third. Inter Miami, despite their quality in attack, suffered defensively under pressure — conceding twice from open play within 10 minutes. Also Read - Trends, Debates & Rankings: Where Does OKC’s 2025 Title Rank Among Recent NBA Champions? What’s Next: The Reunion Everyone’s Talking About Inter Miami’s draw sees them finish second in Group A, and that sets up one of the most anticipated fixtures of the Club World Cup so far: Lionel Messi vs. Paris Saint-Germain. The matchup has every ingredient for a global football story — personal history, elite talent, and massive stakes. For Messi, it’s a chance to remind the world that his departure from PSG was never about form, but fit. For PSG, it’s an opportunity to eliminate one of the tournament's most marketable and dangerous squads. Meanwhile, Palmeiras move on as group leaders, and with their late surge against Inter Miami, they’ve proven they can adapt and respond when it matters most. Final Word The situation is the same in football; moments count more than minutes. And although Inter Miami put in a brilliant 75-minute performance, their collapse in the last 15 minutes was what ended them. Nevertheless, the early genius moment by Messi did not fail to remind everyone why he is the key hope to Miami in this tournament. The draw can be depressing now and the next game is a reunion long in coming so the chance of redemption could be at hand. Match Summary: Final Score: Inter Miami 2–2 Palmeiras Scorers: - Inter Miami: Tadeo Allende (16’), Luis Suárez (65’) - Palmeiras: Paulinho (80’), Maurício (87’) Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Attendance: 60,914 Player of the Match: Luis Suárez Upcoming Fixture:🔜 Quarterfinal — Inter Miami vs Paris Saint-Germain📍 Venue TBD | 🗓️ June 29, 2025 | ⏰ Kick-off: 21:30 local time Stay tuned — the drama is just getting started.