Inter Miami will aim to secure a first victory in their FIFA Club World Cup Group A campaign when they face FC Porto at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 20:00 GMT.
Inter Miami, the MLS Supporters’ Shield winners, according to our football stats, opened the tournament against Al Ahly on June 14, while FC Porto, one of Portugal’s “Big Three,” kicked off their group stage against Palmeiras on June 15. Both teams are vying for a top-two spot in Group A to advance to the knockout phase.
Match Preview
Inter Miami, led by global icon Lionel Messi, are making their intercontinental debut in the expanded 32-team FIFA Club World Cup. Their opening match against Al Ahly at Hard Rock Stadium saw the club from Florida frustrated in front of goal. However, the game saw them keep their first clean sheet in their last 10 competitive matches across all competitions.
The Herons rely heavily on their “Core Four” of Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, all former FC Barcelona stars with Club World Cup experience. However, their recent form dipped in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, where they were eliminated in the semifinals by Vancouver Whitecaps.
FC Porto, managed by former Cruz Azul boss Martín Anselmi, finished third in the 2024-25 Primeira Liga with a record of 22 wins, 7 losses, and 5 draws. Their European campaign saw them reach the Europa League knockout stage, driven by Spanish striker Samu Aghehowa’s 25 goals across all competitions. Porto’s defence has been solid, conceding just 30 goals in 34 league matches, but their attack has been inconsistent, failing to score in three of their last 11 games. Historically, Porto has a strong continental pedigree, with UEFA Champions League titles in 1987 and 2004.
The two sides have never met, but Inter Miami’s high-profile roster faces a stern test against Porto’s disciplined and experienced squad. Inter Miami have scored 15 goals in their last six competitive matches, but have conceded 12 goals in their six outings. Meanwhile, Porto’s recent form includes five wins, one draw, and two losses in their last eight matches across all competitions.
Inter Miami’s home-heavy group stage schedule gives them an edge, but playing at the neutral Mercedes-Benz Stadium levels the playing field. Porto’s ability to exploit counterattacks could challenge Miami’s high defensive line, especially if Messi and Suárez push forward. Head coach Phil Neville will be wary of Porto’s pacey wingers, such as Pepê, who can stretch defences. Conversely, Anselmi will be cautious of Miami’s attacking firepower, particularly Messi’s ability to unlock tight defences.
Inter Miami FIFA Club World Cup form:
Inter Miami form (all competitions):
FC Porto FIFA Club World Cup form:
FC Porto form (all competitions):
Team News
Inter Miami could be without midfielder David Ruiz and Yannick Bright, both sidelined due to injuries. Lionel Messi is expected to lead the attack, supported by Luis Suárez and Tadeo Allende.
Sergio Busquets and Federico Redondo are likely to anchor the midfield, with Noah Allen and Ian Fray providing width from the full-back positions. Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari is set to start, backed by a centre-back pairing of Tomás Avilés and Maximiliano Falcon.
FC Porto may field a strong lineup featuring goalkeeper Diogo Costa, one of Europe’s top shot-stoppers. Samu Aghehowa is certain to lead the line, with Rodrigo Mora and Fabio Vieira providing flair behind the youngster. Midfielders Gabri Veiga and Alan Varela are expected to control the tempo, while defenders Ivan Marcano, Martim Fernandes and Ze Pedro form a robust centre-back trio. Wing-backs João Mário and Francisco Moura are likely to start, though Anselmi may rotate after their opening match.
Inter Miami possible starting lineup:
Ustari; Fray, Avilés, Falcon, Fray; Segovia, Busquets, Redondo, Allende; Messi, Suárez
FC Porto possible starting lineup:
Costa; Marcano, Ze Pedro, Fernandes; Mario, Veiga, Varela, Moura; Mora, Vieira; Aghehowa
We say: Inter Miami 2-2 FC Porto
Inter Miami’s attacking quality, driven by Messi’s brilliance, makes them a threat, but their defensive frailties could be exposed by Porto’s clinical counterattacks. Porto’s experience in high-stakes matches gives them an edge, but playing at a neutral venue may balance the contest. A high-scoring draw seems likely, with both teams desperate to secure points in a competitive group.
