The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is heating up, and all eyes are on the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where Inter Miami CF faces off against Portuguese giants FC Porto on Thursday, June 19, at 20:00 local time. Both teams are coming off goalless draws in their opening Group A matches—Inter Miami against Al Ahly and Porto against Palmeiras—making this clash pivotal for their knockout stage aspirations.
With Lionel Messi leading the Herons and Porto boasting European pedigree, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter in a tightly contested group. Fans are eagerly anticipating whether Inter Miami’s star power can overcome Porto’s tactical discipline in this historic first meeting between the two sides.
Prediction
FC Porto enters this match as the slight favorite, thanks to their experience in high-stakes European competitions and a more cohesive tactical setup. Inter Miami’s defensive frailties, having conceded 24 goals in their last ten matches prior to the Club World Cup, could prove costly against Porto’s potent attacking line. Despite their lackluster performance against Palmeiras, Porto showed resilience, with goalkeeper Claudio Ramos delivering a standout performance.
Inter Miami, meanwhile, relied heavily on goalkeeper Oscar Ustari’s heroics to secure a point against Al Ahly, but their inability to convert chances raises concerns. Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez remain dangerous, and a moment of brilliance from either could tilt the game, but Porto’s balanced approach and pressing intensity are likely to exploit Miami’s shaky backline. The prediction is a narrow 2-1 victory for FC Porto, with both teams finding the net in an open, attacking contest.
Possible lineups
Inter Miami is expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation under manager Javier Mascherano. Oscar Ustari is likely to start in goal after his man-of-the-match performance against Al Ahly, where he made eight saves, including a penalty stop. The backline should feature Ian Fray at right-back, Tomas Avilés and Juan Falcón in central defense, and Noah Allen filling in at left-back, as Jordi Alba’s return from a hamstring injury remains uncertain. In midfield, Sergio Busquets will anchor the trio, flanked by Federico Redondo and Benjamin Cremaschi, both of whom are carrying yellow cards and will need to be cautious. Up top, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are certain starters, with David Allende completing the attacking trident.
For FC Porto, manager Martín Anselmi is likely to deploy a 3-5-2 formation. With Diogo Costa doubtful due to a thigh injury, Claudio Ramos is set to continue in goal after his impressive display against Palmeiras. The defensive trio should consist of Nehuén Pérez, David Carmo, and Iván Marcano. João Mário and Zaidu Sanusi are expected to operate as wing-backs, providing width, while Alan Varela and Stephen Eustáquio hold the midfield. Fabio Vieira and Rodrigo Mora will support the front two of Samu Aghehowa, who led Porto with 25 goals in the 2024-25 season, and either Pepê or Gabriel Veiga in an advanced role.
Betting tips
This match offers several intriguing options based on recent form and tactical analysis. The “Both Teams to Score – Yes” market is a strong choice, available at odds of approximately 1.65 on platforms like Betway and SportPesa, given Inter Miami’s attacking threat and Porto’s ability to capitalize on defensive lapses. Another solid option is backing FC Porto to win with over 2.5 goals in the match, offered at around 2.50 on Betika, reflecting the likelihood of a high-scoring affair.
For those looking for player-specific bets, Lionel Messi to have 2+ shots on target is priced at even money (2.00) on 22Bet, as he consistently tests goalkeepers, even in quieter games. On the Porto side, Samu Aghehowa is a good pick for an anytime goalscorer at odds of 2.14 on 1xBet, given his prolific scoring record. Finally, considering Porto’s aggressive pressing, Ian Fray to commit 2+ fouls is an attractive bet at 1.73 on Bet365, as he may struggle against Porto’s dynamic wingers.