What does Messi’s Inter Miami need to advance to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 after beating Porto 2-1?

Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick to seal Inter Miami’s first-ever victory at the FIFA Club World Cup, beating FC Porto 2–1. It also marked the first win for an MLS team under the tournament’s new format.

With a sensational free-kick goal from Lionel Messi, Inter Miami claimed its first-ever win at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, defeating FC Porto 2–1. The result puts Javier Mascherano’s team level on points with Group A leaders Palmeiras, both sitting at 4 points.

After a lackluster 0–0 draw in the opener against Al Ahly, Inter Miami bounced back in style. Goals from Telasco Segovia and Messi sealed the first-ever Club World Cup win for an MLS team under the tournament’s new format.

What’s Next for Inter Miami?

The team from Florida now turns its focus to a decisive final group stage match against Palmeiras on Monday, June 23 at 9 PM ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.

Here are the three scenarios that would allow Messi’s Inter Miami to advance to the Round of 16:

• If Inter Miami Wins: they top Group A with 7 points and advance as group winners.
• If Inter Miami Draws: they reach 5 points and secure qualification, regardless of the Al Ahly vs. Porto result. They would advance as second place, due to goal difference behind Palmeiras.

What if Inter Miami loses?

Two possible outcomes:

• If Porto and Al Ahly draw:
  • Inter Miami advances with 4 points, while both opponents finish with 2.
• If either Porto or Al Ahly wins:
  • It comes down to goal difference.
    • Current standings:
      • Inter Miami: +1 (2 goals for, 1 against)
      • Porto: –1 (1 for, 2 against)
      • Al Ahly: –2 (0 for, 2 against)
  • If the winning team surpasses Inter Miami’s goal difference, Messi’s team could be eliminated.