Inter Miami's group stage journey saw them draw 0-0 with Al Ahly, defeat Porto 2-1, and then contend with Palmeiras for the top spot in their final match. At Hard Rock Stadium on 22/6, Inter Miami held a 2-0 lead until the 80th minute thanks to goals from Tadeo Allende and Luis Suarez. However, Palmeiras scored twice in the final 10 minutes, resulting in a 2-2 draw.

Finishing second in Group A, Inter Miami will now face Group B winners PSG in the round of 16. In the 2024-2025 season, PSG achieved a quadruple, winning all domestic titles and their first Champions League title, making them a strong contender for the FIFA Club World Cup.

Messi played for PSG from 2021 to 2023, winning two Ligue 1 titles and one French Super Cup. However, after leading Argentina to victory against France in the 2022 World Cup final, his relationship with PSG fans deteriorated. Shortly after joining Inter Miami, Messi stated he had two unhappy years in Paris.

Hong Duy