Club World Cup – Day 6: Botafogo Stuns PSG, Messi Leads Inter Miami Comeback

Drama, goals, and crucial results lit up Day 6 of the Club World Cup, which may already be shaping the knockout picture. In Group A, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami came from behind to beat Porto and catch up with Palmeiras, who defeated Al-Ahly. In Group B, the shock of the day came from Botafogo, who beat PSG to reach six points. Atlético Madrid are also back in the mix after a convincing win over the Seattle Sounders.

Results – Day 6

Palmeiras – Al-Ahly 2–0

Lopez and an own goal sink the Egyptians: Brazilians close to qualification

Palmeiras claimed their first win of the tournament with a clinical and calculated performance. After a tight first half with few chances, and Al-Ahly the more proactive side, coach Abel Ferreira reshaped the game by bringing on Mauricio and Flaco Lopez. The two were pivotal: in the 49th minute, a Moreno free kick led Abou Ali to head into his own net. Just six minutes later, Lopez finished a perfect counterattack, assisted by a vertical pass from Mauricio.

A 40-minute weather delay did little to help Al-Ahly, whose response remained toothless. The Brazilian champions relied on young talents Estevao and Torres to control the pace and nearly added a third. With two losses in two games, the Egyptian side now faces an uphill battle to qualify.

Inter Miami – Porto 2–1

Messi show: stunning free kick completes the comeback

Lionel Messi stole the spotlight at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, delivering Inter Miami’s first win of the tournament. After a draw in their opener, Mascherano’s team overturned an early deficit—Samu had put Porto ahead from the spot in the 8th minute after a foul by Allen—with a strong second half performance.

Segovia netted the equalizer shortly after the break with a deflected cross, before Messi delivered a masterpiece in the 54th minute: a direct free kick into the top corner from the edge of the box. The goal not only sealed the win but also pushed Inter Miami level on 4 points with Palmeiras.

Porto, stuck on just one point, now need to beat Al-Ahly in their final group match and hope for a favorable result between Inter and Palmeiras.

Seattle Sounders – Atletico Madrid 1–3

Barrios brace brings Colchoneros back in the race

Atlético Madrid got back on track with a dominant win over the Seattle Sounders, erasing memories of their heavy defeat to PSG. The Spanish side controlled the match from the opening whistle and took the lead in the 10th minute when Giuliano Simeone set up Barrios, who fired home.

Despite several missed chances to double the lead, Atlético found the second goal early in the second half through Witsel, who finished off a corner kick scramble. Rusnak briefly pulled one back for the hosts, but Barrios struck again in the 54th minute, converting a low cross from Sorloth to make it 3–1.

Seattle pushed late but could only find a disallowed goal by Minoungou. Simeone tightened things up and saw out the win, which brings Atlético level with PSG on three points and keeps their qualification hopes alive.

Paris Saint-Germain – Botafogo 0–1

Brazilian statement in Paris: Igor Jesus punishes Luis Enrique

A stunning result at the Parc des Princes saw Botafogo shock PSG with a 1–0 win, thanks to Igor Jesus’ strike in the 35th minute. The goal came on a textbook counterattack: the Brazilian forward outpaced Pacho and beat Donnarumma with the help of a slight deflection, celebrating in Goku fashion.

The first half had been dominated by PSG, led by Kvaratskhelia, but Botafogo’s goalkeeper John delivered a heroic performance to keep his side alive. In the second half, Luis Enrique threw on all his key players, but even a final siege couldn’t break the Brazilian wall. Barcola saw a goal disallowed for offside, and Kvara missed from a free kick in stoppage time.

Botafogo now sit top of Group B with six points. PSG and Atlético trail on three, with the final round wide open.

Updated Standings

Group A

Group B