Can Lionel Messi and Inter Miami Go All the Way at the FIFA Club World Cup?

Messi Turns on the Magic

Lionel Messi reminded the world why he’s still the GOAT. With a sublime free kick, the Argentine maestro sealed a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami over Porto in their second Group A clash.

Messi’s strike—curled perfectly into the top corner—was vintage “La Pulga,” and the kind of moment you’ll see replayed across soccer news highlight reels all week. More importantly, it puts Inter Miami within touching distance of the round of 16.

But can they actually go all the way?

Lionel Andrés Messi. 🩷 pic.twitter.com/ogswizdEXe

— Mundial de Clubes FIFA 🏆 (@fifaworldcup_es) June 19, 2025

What They Need to Advance

With the win over Porto, Inter Miami is now in second place in Group A of the FIFA Club World Cup standings alongside Palmeiras with four points apiece. But the Brazilians have a superiorgoal difference.

The twoteams will meet for a group finale on Monday, June 23. A tie would be sufficient to see both through, but do not expect either sideto settle for it. There is still top-of-the-group bragging rights toplay for, and that may affect their path through the knockout rounds.

Even in defeat, Inter Miami could still sneak through, depending on the result between Porto and Al-Ahly, who both sit on one point. Should that match end in a draw or a narrow win, the goal difference would likely still favor Miami.

Lionel Messi has become the first player ever to reach 1250 goal contributions 🤯🐐

⚽️ 866 goals
🅰️ 384 assists pic.twitter.com/lnCnPTtw66

— OneFootball (@OneFootball) June 19, 2025

Signs of Progress—But Tough Tests Ahead

Inter Miami looked sharper in their second outing of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. Tactically, they were more cohesive. Mentally, more aggressive. And with just three days until their final group match, the tight FIFA Club World Cup schedule could help them carry that momentum forward.

But the road ahead is rough.

Should they qualify, potential round-of-16 opponents include Botafogo, PSG, or Atlético Madrid—no easy matchups. And lurking deeper in the bracket are tournament heavyweights like Manchester City, currently the overwhelming favorites in BetUS FIFA Club World Cup betting lines, with odds of -1500 to dispatch Al Ain (+3000) and advance to the next round.

LOOK AT LIONEL MESSI’S DEFENSIVE WORK RATE AT 37 YEARS OF AGE ! 🇦🇷😱pic.twitter.com/1XmiHBcCQN

— Stop That Messi (@stopthatmessiii) June 19, 2025

Marketing Gimmick or Contenders?

Inter Miami’s participation in the tournament was criticized in some soccer rumors, and there was also speculation that it was a marketing gimmick designed tocapitalize on Messi’s presence. But on thefield, they have made progress. The club has grown significantly, particularly over the past two seasons, and suddenly, they’re not just here for fun.

Javier Mascherano speaks on the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debate ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/WWZAFXdw9b

— GOAL (@goal) June 20, 2025

But now thereal test starts. If Miami is going to shake off its underdog role and prove it’s worthy of being on this stage, it will take more than Messi’s magic. It is going to require faith, courage, and 90 solid minutes.