Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras prediction, projected lineups, how to watch | OneFootball

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami heads into Monday night’s matchup against Palmeiras in a strong position to advance, following their vital victory over Porto.

Much of the confidence surrounding the Herons stems from the presence of Messi himself. His influence on the pitch is undeniable. Just remember his incredible free-kick that sealed the victory over Porto and it's perhaps the key reason why co-owner David Beckham and Inter Miami fans believe their team has a real shot at progressing in the tournament.

Here's everything you need to know ahead of the Matchday 3 clash.

How to watch Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras

Time: Monday, June 23, 9 pm ET

Venue: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Fl)

TV & streaming in the US: TNT, UniMas, TUDN, DAZN

Inter Miami and  Palmeiras projected lineups

As Inter Miami prepares for a decisive Group A encounter with Palmeiras, questions remain about the team’s overall depth. While the star duo leads the line, the attacking options behind them appear limited.

In goal, the Herons are dealing with long-term absences. Starting goalkeeper Drake Callender remains unavailable following hernia surgery and Oscar Ustari is set to continue after solid showings in the first two matches.

Midfielder David Ruiz has resumed individual training following a muscle injury, while Yannick Bright is also working separately from the group. Jordi Alba, recovering from a hamstring issue, returned to action off the bench against Porto and may be in contention for a starting role. On the defensive end, Gonzalo Luján appears unlikely to play, having missed recent training sessions due to hamstring discomfort.

Palmeiras arrives at the Club World Cup with a squad packed with international players and promising young talent. Among the standout names are 18-year-old winger Estevão, who is set to join Chelsea in the near future, and creative midfielder Raphael Veiga, both of whom have featured for Brazil. Anchoring the defense is experienced Paraguayan center-back Gustavo Gómez, who brings leadership and stability with 81 international caps to his name.

Up front, Palmeiras features former Barcelona striker Vitor Roque, who joined the club from the La Liga side last winter. Though highly rated, the young forward has found the net just three times since making the move and will be looking to make a stronger impact as the tournament progresses

Inter Miami projected lineup (4-4-2, right to left)

Oscar Ustari (GK) - Marcelo Weigandt, Ian Fray, Maxi Falcon, Jordi Alba - Fafa Picault, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi - Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez

Palmeiras Projected lineup (4-3-3, right to left)

Weverton (GK) — Glay, Gomez, Cerqueira, Piquerez — Rios, Veiga, Martinez — Estevao, Roque, Torres

Inter Miami vs. Palmeiras prediction

With both teams sitting on four points, this final group-stage clash will decide who tops the group — and could even eliminate the loser, depending on the outcome of the other match.

Palmeiras currently hold the edge, sitting atop the group on goal difference. While Inter Miami have home-field advantage on paper, it's expected there will be plenty of Palmeiras fans on hand at Hard Rock Stadium.

Inter Miami have impressed to reach this stage, but questions remain about their sustainability. The Herons have leaned heavily on their goalkeeper and have shown defensive vulnerabilities that could be exposed by a well-drilled Palmeiras side. The Brazilian champions, meanwhile, have looked composed and dominant through their first two matches — even in their scoreless draw with Porto, they created 2.08 expected goals and were unlucky not to convert.

Inter Miami face an uphill battle. To stay in the competition, they may need to focus on keeping the match close and limiting damage against one of the tournament’s most complete teams.