After nearly three weeks out with a muscle injury, Jordi Alba made a brief return against Porto and is now expected to start against Palmeiras. His presence not only strengthens the backline but also rekindles his famous connection with Lionel Messi — a key asset in high-stakes matches.

Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the expanded Club World Cup on a patented free kick in the 54th minute to break a tie in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Porto on Thursday.