Lionel Messi delivered yet another moment of trademark brilliance, curling home a stunning free kick to complete a comeback win for Inter Miami CF against two-time European champions FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup. The dramatic 2-1 victory, secured at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marks a historic milestone as Inter Miami’s first-ever win in the prestigious tournament and the first time an MLS team has defeated a European opponent in official competition.
The match in Group A saw both teams enter having drawn their opening fixtures. It was FC Porto who struck first in Atlanta. Following a VAR review, Samu Omorodion converted an early penalty kick in the 8th minute, putting the Portuguese side ahead 1-0. Inter Miami goalkeeper Óscar Ustari nearly denied the spot-kick, but Porto took the lead.
Inter Miami battled to find their rhythm in the first half, with limited chances for stars like Luis Suárez. However, the second half brought an immediate shift in momentum. Just two minutes after the restart, Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia leveled the score. Finishing off a well-worked team move, Segovia received a cross from Marcelo Weigandt and fired a powerful strike into the net, making it 1-1.
Then came the decisive moment in the 54th minute. After drawing a foul just outside the penalty area, Lionel Messi stepped up to the free kick. Despite being 37 years old, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner demonstrated why he is considered the greatest. With a left-footed strike described as “vintage,” Messi curled the ball with pinpoint accuracy over the Porto wall and into the top right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. This was Messi’s 68th career direct free-kick goal, placing him third all-time behind only Juninho Pernambucano (77) and Pelé (70). It also marked his first goal in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup tournament.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised his team’s resilience and ability to compete against a top European opponent. “Today we showed to the world and to ourselves that we can compete against any team,” Mascherano stated, highlighting the importance of the result for American football fans and acknowledging Porto’s high quality. He also lauded Messi’s enduring influence and leadership, noting his “hunger, his resilience, his will to go on competing” even in the final minutes. “In football terms, what else can I add? He’s the best player ever… But his determination to win is always surprising,” Mascherano added.
Porto coach Martin Anselmi simply reflected on his opponent’s undeniable quality, stating, “What can I say about Messi? You know what he’s capable of on the pitch.”
With this crucial victory, Inter Miami moves joint-top of Group A alongside Brazilian club Palmeiras, both on four points. The Herons are now on the verge of qualifying for the Round of 16. A draw against Palmeiras in their final group stage match at Hard Rock Stadium in South Florida would be enough to guarantee Inter Miami’s progression in the tournament. Meanwhile, FC Porto faces Egypt’s Al Ahly at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey needing a win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Messi’s match-winning heroics underscore his continued impact since arriving in MLS, where he has become Inter Miami’s all-time leading scorer in just 61 appearances. His decisive free kick against Porto was a clear reminder of his unique ability to deliver under pressure and inspire historic results for his team on the world stage.
