Lionel Messi Pushes Inter Miami to Knockout Stages

Seattle Sounders Battle, LAFC Fall Flat: Grading MLS Teams at the Club World Cup

The Club World Cup has always represented an opportunity — a rare stage where clubs from outside Europe’s traditional powerhouses get a chance to show what they’re made of. For MLS, this year’s tournament was perhaps its biggest moment yet. Inter Miami made history, Seattle Sounders fought admirably, and LAFC… well, they’ll want to forget this one in a hurry.

Let’s take a closer look at how each Major League Soccer representative fared during the group stage of the Club World Cup — the good, the bad, and everything in between.

FBL-MLS-USA-MIAMI-COLUMBUS

Inter Miami: Lionel Messi Magic Leads the Way

Grade: B+

Three games, zero losses, one historic victory — and Lionel Messi at the center of it all. Inter Miami’s run in the group stage of the Club World Cup has been nothing short of remarkable. While the start wasn’t ideal, what followed was a testament to the growth of both the club and the league.

Group Stage Recap:

• 🟥 0-0 vs Al Ahly

• ✅ 2-1 vs FC Porto

• 🤝 2-2 vs Palmeiras

The opening match against Egyptian giants Al Ahly was anything but inspiring. The Herons looked out of rhythm, and were outplayed for large stretches of the game. In truth, if it weren’t for goalkeeper Oscar Ustari’s big moment — a penalty save that preserved the draw — Miami could’ve been staring down an early crisis.

But as has often been the case with teams led by Lionel Messi, one spark can change everything.

Against Porto, things started slow. The Portuguese side grabbed an early lead and went into halftime in control. But Miami came out of the dressing room with renewed energy — and purpose. Telasco Segovia drew them level before Lionel Messi did what Lionel Messi does best: a sublime free kick into the top corner to give Miami the lead and the three points. With that goal, he not only sealed the win but wrote MLS into the Club World Cup record books. It marked the first time a CONCACAF club defeated a UEFA side in official competition.

Palmeiras, South America’s elite, awaited in the final group match. And Miami didn’t back down. They went 2-0 up and looked to be cruising before the Brazilian side came storming back in the second half. A draw wasn’t ideal, but it was enough to send Miami into the Round of 16 — and that in itself is a huge achievement.

Tournament MVP: Lionel Messi

There’s just no looking past the Argentine legend. When his team needed him, he delivered. A leader on and off the pitch, and now the face of one of the most significant moments in MLS history.

Botafogo FR v Seattle Sounders FC: Group B – FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Seattle Sounders: Brave but Beaten

Grade: C+

Seattle didn’t advance, but they certainly didn’t disgrace themselves either. Thrown into what many called the “Group of Death,” the Sounders showed resilience and flashes of quality, even as the results didn’t go their way.

Group Stage Recap:

• ❌ 1-2 vs Botafogo

• ❌ 1-3 vs Atletico Madrid

• ❌ 0-2 vs PSG

It all began with Botafogo, where Seattle mounted a spirited second-half comeback led by Cristian Roldan. He pulled one back and nearly grabbed a late equalizer in a match that showed the Sounders weren’t here just to make up the numbers.

Against Atletico Madrid, Brian Schmetzer’s side again showed signs of life. After going down early, they responded with a well-worked goal — but Atleti’s class eventually won out. Still, a strong showing from teenage midfielder Obed Vargas earned praise from those watching across the globe.

And then came PSG. The European giants didn’t hold back, but Seattle’s midfield, despite being outmatched technically, battled hard. While the Parisians came out 2-0 winners, PSG manager Luis Enrique had nothing but admiration for Seattle’s fight and organization.

“They played great football,” Enrique said post-match. “We knew Seattle would bring intensity.”

Tournament MVP: Cristian Roldan

Roldan was a heartbeat in midfield — combative, creative, and constantly running. His goal against Botafogo was a highlight, and his leadership throughout the group was evident.

Los Angeles Football Club v Esperance de Tunis: Group D – FIFA Club World Cup 2025

LAFC: A Trip to Forget

Grade: D

Where do you even start with LAFC? For a team that came in with high hopes and genuine attacking firepower, the Club World Cup turned into a nightmare. One point from three games — and they were lucky to get that.

Group Stage Recap:

• ❌ 0-2 vs Chelsea

• ❌ 0-1 vs Esperance de Tunis

• 🤝 1-1 vs Flamengo

Against Chelsea, LAFC were outclassed, outworked, and outthought. The gulf in experience and tactical discipline showed. But it was the Matchday 2 clash against Tunisia’s Esperance that truly disappointed. The Black and Gold didn’t register a shot on target until stoppage time — a stat that says everything about the lack of urgency and quality.

When they finally had a chance to salvage a point via penalty in the dying moments, Denis Bouanga stepped up — and fluffed it.

To their credit, they did take something from Flamengo, drawing 1-1. But by then, the damage was done, and the Brazilian side had already secured progression. The point felt more like a formality than a fight.

Tournament MVP: The Full-Time Whistle

No single player really stood out. If anything, the best moment for LAFC was simply the end of each game.

Looking Ahead: Lionel Messi vs PSG in the Round of 16

Now, all eyes turn to Inter Miami. Their reward for escaping the group? A showdown with Paris Saint-Germain — the reigning European champions, and Lionel Messi’s former club. The matchup, already rich with narrative, promises to be one of the most talked-about fixtures of the tournament.

It’s no secret that Lionel Messi’s time in Paris was filled with tension. His relationships with fans, media, and even the club itself were strained. And now, he has the chance to knock them out of a tournament with an MLS side that few thought would get this far.

“He was there for two years, and only he knows what happened,” said Jordi Alba. “But I know Leo. He wants to win — no matter who he’s facing.”

Inter Miami midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi struck a more grounded tone in a recent interview.

“We know they’re the best team in Europe,” he said. “But we’ve shown we can compete. We have nothing to lose.”

That underdog mindset could be exactly what Miami needs. The game will be played this Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta — a fittingly grand venue for what’s shaping up to be a blockbuster clash.

Inter Miami CF v SE Palmeiras: Group A – FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Final Thoughts: A Mixed Bag for MLS — But Real Progress

Let’s be honest: MLS didn’t dominate this tournament. But it didn’t collapse, either. Inter Miami’s run has been inspiring, Seattle’s effort was commendable, and even LAFC’s failures offer lessons for the league.

The fact that an MLS club is in the Round of 16 at the Club World Cup, with a real shot at knocking out a European superpower, marks a new chapter in the league’s evolution. There’s still a long way to go, but the belief is starting to build — and with Lionel  Messi leading the charge, anything feels possible.

This weekend, the Herons carry the league’s hopes into the knockout rounds. Whether they fly or fall, one thing is certain: MLS is no longer just watching the world stage. It’s on it.