Divided by colours, united by love: When mum can't pick a side

Architect Carla Frugis Afonso has more reason than most to root for an Inter Miami win in their final group match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. After all, one of her sons, striker Leo, is Lionel Messi's only Brazilian team-mate in Florida.

But, for Carla, there's a problem. While her heart beats with love for her son, the blood in her veins is green. She is a die-hard Palmeiras fanatic, but this time around, she wouldn't mind seeing her team lose. 

"Of course, I'd be thrilled if Leo came on and scored, even if it was against Palmeiras," she told FIFA. "But, to be honest, for me, the ideal outcome would be a draw. Leo scores, Palmeiras score, and everyone goes home happy. That would be perfect."

Carla might just be right. Currently level on four points, a draw, on June 24, would see both sides automatically advance to the knockouts, with Al Ahly FC and FC Porto each three points further back with only one game to play.

As a child, Carla's father would take her to Parque Antarctica, which was demolished in 2010 to make way for Palmeiras' current home, Allianz Parque, and she has some unforgettable stories to tell of those family days out.

"We had some close calls," she recalled. "I remember one time there was a fight after the game between Palmeiras and Santos fans. My dad threw me into a nearby house, telling me to stay put and not to move, right in the middle of all the chaos.

"I've always been crazy about Palmeiras. I'd watch on tv when I could, or tune in on the radio if it wasn't on. I never missed a game."

It was only after moving to the United States that Carla began to lose touch with her team. The Afonso family traded Sao Paulo for Florida just over ten years ago so their children could study in American schools and build a life there.

"It got harder to follow Palmeiras because we didn't have any Brazilian channels and kick-off times didn't quite work either," she continued. "But if it was an important match, I'd always find a way to follow it. Palmeiras will always be in my heart."

Carla has made it clear to her son that she wants him to come back from the final Group A match at the Club World Cup with a Palmeiras shirt in his suitcase.

She'll be at the Hard Rock Stadium to witness the first-ever clash between her son's team and the club she grew up supporting. She hasn't said whether she will be wearing pink or green, but the best outcome would see all parties head home happy.