Inter Miami's participation in the expanded 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has been nothing short of historic, marked by significant milestones and high stakes encounters. The tournament, hosted in the United States, features a revamped format with 32 teams, mirroring the FIFA World Cup structure, and a staggering $1 billion prize pool. Inter Miami secured their spot as the host nation's representative, adding to the excitement surrounding their debut in this prestigious competition.

Drawn into Group A, Inter Miami faced formidable opponents including Al Ahly of Egypt, Brazilian side Palmeiras, and FC Porto from Portugal. Their journey began with a lackluster 0-0 draw against Al Ahly, but the team quickly found their footing, securing a 2-1 victory over FC Porto. This win was particularly significant as it marked the first time a CONCACAF team had defeated a European opponent in an official competition, underscoring Inter Miami's growing competitiveness on the global stage. Lionel Messi's influence was pivotal in this match, highlighted by a trademark free kick that sealed the victory.

The final group stage match against Palmeiras was a critical decider. Inter Miami initially surged ahead with goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez, establishing a 2-0 lead. However, Palmeiras mounted a late comeback, scoring twice in the final ten minutes to level the score at 2-2. Despite the late scare, the draw was enough to secure Inter Miami's passage to the Round of 16 as the second-place team in Group A, behind Palmeiras who topped the group.

Advancing to the knockout stage is not just a sporting achievement but also a financial boon for Inter Miami. The club has already earned $9.55 million for participating in the group stage and an additional $4 million for their performance. Their participation in the Round of 16 guarantees another $7.5 million, bringing their total earnings to over $21 million so far.

In the Round of 16, Inter Miami is set to face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the reigning European champions, in a highly anticipated match on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This game holds particular significance as it reunites Lionel Messi with his former club, where he played from 2021 to 2023 before his transformative move to Miami. PSG, having finished top of Group B after a 2-0 victory against Seattle Sounders, will pose a stern test for Inter Miami.

The winner of the Inter Miami vs. PSG clash will advance to the quarterfinals on July 5, also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, inching closer to the final scheduled for July 13 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. For Inter Miami, progressing further in the tournament means not only a chance at global glory but also the opportunity to claim a larger share of the unprecedented $1 billion prize pool.

Inter Miami's journey in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has been a testament to their ambition and competitiveness. Overcoming challenges and achieving historic milestones, the team is now focused on the daunting task of facing PSG in the Round of 16, with Lionel Messi's reunion adding an extra layer of intrigue to this exciting encounter.