Inter Miami vs Palmeiras: Messi's FIFA Club World Cup Debut - Live Streaming Guide
Watch Lionel Messi lead Inter Miami against Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Full live streaming details, lineup predictions, and match analysis.
Global football icon Lionel Messi prepares for his first FIFA Club World Cup appearance as Inter Miami faces Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras in a highly anticipated opening match. This high-stakes encounter represents a milestone for both Messi and Major League Soccer, putting North American football on the world stage.
Match Significance
This tournament marks Messi's first opportunity to win the FIFA Club World Cup with a third different club. For Inter Miami, qualification represents a meteoric rise since Messi's arrival. Palmeiras, two-time Copa Libertadores champions, aim to become the first Brazilian club to lift the trophy since 2012.
Match Details & Global Timing
Date & Time
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
19:30 Local Time (EST)
23:30 GMT / UTC
Venue
King Abdullah Sports City
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Capacity: 62,345
Tournament Stage
Opening Round
Single Elimination
Winner Advances to Quarterfinals
Live Streaming & Broadcast Guide
Football fans around the world have several options to watch Messi's debut at the Club World Cup
Free streaming options: FIFA will provide free live streams on their official YouTube channel in territories without exclusive broadcast agreements. Fans should check FIFA's official website for regional availability.
Predicted Lineups & Tactical Analysis
Inter Miami (4-3-3)
- Callender (GK)
- Yedlin - Aviles - Kryvtsov - Alba
- Busquets (C) - Ruiz - Cremaschi
- Taylor - Campana - Messi
Tactical Approach: Expect Inter Miami to build through Busquets with Messi operating as a false nine. Alba's overlapping runs will create width while defensive focus remains on containing Palmeiras' wingers.
Palmeiras (4-2-3-1)
- Weverton (GK)
- Marcos Rocha - Gómez - Murilo - Piquerez
- Zé Rafael - Richard Ríos
- Artur - Raphael Veiga - Breno Lopes
- Endrick (ST)
Tactical Approach: Palmeiras will press high and attack through the flanks. Teenage sensation Endrick will lead the line with support from midfield creator Veiga.
Key Matchups & Players to Watch
Messi vs Palmeiras' Double Pivot: How Zé Rafael and Richard Ríos contain Messi's influence will determine Brazil's defensive success. Expect physical marking with tactical fouls in dangerous areas.
Endrick vs Miami's Center-Backs: The 18-year-old Brazilian phenom, already signed by Real Madrid, will test Miami's central defense with his explosive pace and clinical finishing.
Jordi Alba vs Artur: This flank battle pits experienced Spanish international against Palmeiras' dynamic winger. The winner of this duel could decide the match.
Injury Concerns
Inter Miami: Diego Gómez (questionable - hamstring), Facundo Farías (out - ACL)
Palmeiras: Dudu (out - knee), Gabriel Menino (questionable - ankle)
Tournament Implications
Beyond this match, the winner advances to face Asian champions Al-Hilal in the quarterfinals. A win for Inter Miami would stand as the most successful result by an MLS club in the history of the FIFA Club World Cup. On the other hand, Palmeiras is eager to make amends following their elimination in the 2021 semifinals.
The match also has significant implications for CONMEBOL and CONCACAF coefficient rankings, affecting future tournament allocations. With Messi potentially playing his first and only Club World Cup with an MLS side, this historic moment transcends regular tournament significance.
