In an electrifying showdown at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, both Palmeiras and Inter Miami advanced to the Club World Cup round-of-16 after a pulsating 2-2 draw.
Inter Miami started strong with Tadeo Allende scoring in the 16th minute and veteran Luis Suarez adding a second goal in the 65th to put them 2-0 ahead. It looked like they might cruise through, but Palmeiras had other plans.
The Brazilian side mounted a spirited comeback after key second-half substitutions. Paulinho sparked hope by scoring in the 80th minute, and Mauricio sealed the comeback with an 87th-minute equalizer that sent the electric crowd into a frenzy! ⚽🔥
Even though Lionel Messi, who turns 39 on Tuesday, had several chances to score, he couldn’t find the net and was seen shaking his head as momentum shifted.
With both teams tied on four points in Group A, Palmeiras edged out on goal difference to top the group and will now face Botafogo. Inter Miami, as the only MLS side to advance, will clash with Group B winners and Messi's former club Paris Saint-Germain in the next round. The stage is set for more dramatic and global soccer action!
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Both Palmeiras and Inter Miami make round of 16 at Club World Cup
cgtn.com
