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Lionel Messi's Inter Miami Earns Staggering Amount With Club World Cup Knockout Berth

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 12:10 AM ET

Against the odds, Inter Miami has advanced to the knockout stages after drawing 2-2 against Palmeiras at the Hard Rock Stadium. The group consisted of Palmeiras, Al Ahly, and FC Porto.

Lionel Messi wasn't involved in any Inter Miami goal today, but he was essential in helping the team advance to the knockout stages, which has led to significant prize money for the club.

The MLS side will be playing PSG in the Round of 16, which finished second in Group B. Despite the PSG game being a difficult game for the MLS team, the club will already be satisfied with the amount they have earned after reaching the knockouts.

Round of 16. Dialed in. Vamos Miami

We will face @PSG_inside in the next round of the @FIFACWC ✨ pic.twitter.com/0K55iC6pkD
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) June 24, 2025

This could help the club bring in players for the upcoming MLS summer transfer window that opens on July 24 and closes on August 21.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has spoken publicly about wanting new signings for the team ahead of the rest of the MLS Season.

How Much has Inter Miami earned in the CWC?

Inter Miami secured around $9.5 million for qualifying for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The club earned an extra $3 million from the group stage after drawing 0-0 against Al Ahly and beating FC Porto 2-1.

Inter Miami's result against Palmeiras means the MLS side will have secured an extra $7.5 million due to the team reaching the Round of 16. So far, Inter Miami has earned around $21 million.

The winner of the FIFA Club World Cup will likely earn around $125 million as the prize pool for the teams participating this summer is around $1 billion.

Inter Miami is expected to earn more prize money this summer as the 2025 Leagues Cup gets closer. The tournament that only features MLS and Liga MX teams starts on July 30.

Inter Miami 2-2 Palmeiras

Inter Miami took the lead in the first half after a brilliant counterattack that left Tadeo Allende one-on-one with the Palmeiras goalkeeper.

Luis Suarez gave a great pass to Allende, who went on a run towards the goal and finished it past Weverton.

16' INTER MIAMI ON THE COUNTER... GOAL!!!

Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 - July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MIASEP pic.twitter.com/xFIGQPPyBJ
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 24, 2025

In the second half, Luis Suarez scored an incredible solo goal in the 65th minute that got Inter Miami closer to securing first place in Group A.

65' Luis Suarez TAKE A BOW!!

Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 - July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld pic.twitter.com/QxfdBJUYUL
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 24, 2025

In the 80th minute, Palmeiras would start to turn things around in Group A. Paulinho scored in the 80th minute to make it 2-1. In the 88th minute, Mauricio scored the equalizer for Palmeiras to secure first place.

MAURICIO MAKES IT 2 ALL ⚽

Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 - July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MIASEP pic.twitter.com/s5wxbtQy96
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 24, 2025

Palmeiras finished first with five points, with a goal difference of +2. Inter Miami finished with five points as well, but with a goal difference of +1.