Inter Miami has advanced to the knockout rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup by drawing 2-2 with Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium, completing a challenging group that included Palmeiras, Al Ahly, and FC Porto. Although Lionel Messi did not score or assist in this match, his overall presence was crucial in helping the team secure a place in the Round of 16, unlocking significant prize money for the club.
The MLS side is now set to face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), who finished second in Group B, in the next stage of the tournament. While the PSG match presents a tough challenge for Inter Miami, the club already benefits greatly from the financial rewards earned by progressing.
Financial Gains from Club World Cup Success
By reaching the knockout phase, Inter Miami has earned nearly $21 million in prize money. This includes approximately $9.5 million for simply qualifying for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Additional earnings came from their performance in the group stage, including a scoreless draw against Al Ahly and a 2-1 victory over FC Porto, which added about $3 million.
The draw against Palmeiras secured an extra $7.5 million for advancing to the Round of 16. The total prize pool for this year’s tournament is expected to reach around $1 billion, with the winner projected to claim close to $125 million. These earnings are a substantial boost for Inter Miami’s financial position.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is also poised to benefit from the upcoming 2025 Leagues Cup, which features clubs from MLS and Liga MX and begins on July 30. The summer transfer window, opening on July 24 and closing August 21, could see the club strengthen its squad thanks to the financial windfall.
Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, has expressed a clear desire to bring new players into the team to maintain momentum in the MLS season.
Details of Inter Miami’s 2-2 Draw Against Palmeiras
Inter Miami took an early lead during the match with a swift counterattack that left youngster Tadeo Allende one-on-one with Palmeiras goalkeeper Weverton. Luis Suarez played a key role by delivering a precise pass to Allende, who then finished confidently to score.
In the second half, Luis Suarez added a spectacular solo goal in the 65th minute, pushing Inter Miami closer to topping Group A. However, Palmeiras staged a late comeback as Paulinho scored in the 80th minute, followed by Mauricio’s equalizer in the 88th minute, ensuring Palmeiras finished first in the group.
Both teams finished with five points; Palmeiras held a +2 goal difference, while Inter Miami’s was +1. Meanwhile, FC Porto and Al Ahly were eliminated from the competition but thrilled fans with an exciting 4-4 draw at MetLife Stadium.
Upcoming Challenge Against PSG
Inter Miami faces Paris Saint-Germain next in the Round of 16, a daunting task given PSG’s strength and depth. Still, the club’s advancement to this stage marks a positive moment in its history and highlights the impact of high-profile players like Lionel Messi, who continue to elevate the team’s profile internationally.
The financial rewards and increased visibility bring hope for the club’s future growth, both on and off the field, setting the stage for potential reinforcements during the MLS transfer window and providing momentum for the remainder of the season.