Messi’s Comeback Fuels Inter Miami’s Hopes Ahead of Palmeiras Showdown
So here we are again—Lionel Messi and another massive moment in football. As Inter Miami prepares for a crucial group-stage clash against Brazilian giants Palmeiras in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, all eyes are on Messi. Despite carrying a recurring right thigh issue, the Argentine legend returned to practice with his teammates in Fort Lauderdale just days after his heroic performance against FC Porto.
Let’s rewind for a second. Inter Miami made history last Thursday, becoming the first North American team to defeat a European club in the Club World Cup with a 2-1 win over Porto. Messi was, of course, at the center of it all—scoring a trademark free-kick in the 54th minute. That goal marked his 50th since joining Inter Miami back in July 2023. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. Just minutes later, Messi was visibly struggling with discomfort in his right thigh. He stretched out on the field, received treatment, and kept going. That’s Messi for you—his will to keep playing outweighs the pain.
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Fast forward to now, and coach Javier Mascherano has confirmed Messi trained with the squad ahead of the clash with Palmeiras. That’s a huge relief because while Inter Miami sits in a good position, they can’t afford to slip. A win over Palmeiras secures top spot in Group A and a knockout match in Philadelphia on June 28. A draw still sees them through as runners-up, but a loss? That would make things tricky. They’d need Porto to beat Al Ahly, or it all comes down to tiebreakers.
Messi’s been managing this adductor/thigh issue for a while now—it flared up during Argentina’s Copa America campaign last summer and earlier this year in preseason tours. But time and again, he’s come back stronger. Inter Miami knows that with him on the pitch, their chances improve dramatically.
Palmeiras won’t make it easy. They’re a disciplined, physical side and bring a different flavor from South American football. But the confidence Inter Miami gained from beating Porto—and the leadership Messi brings—is exactly what they need to push through.
It’s more than just a game. It’s Messi leading a new era for North American soccer, showing that the world stage is no longer too big for an MLS side. Whether he’s at full speed or not, Messi’s presence alone changes everything.
We’ll see what happens under the lights at Hard Rock Stadium. But if history has taught us anything, it’s this—never bet against Messi when the moment gets big.
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