Messi Magic Lifts Inter Miami Over Porto at Club World Cup

Lionel Messi’s stunning free-kick seals comeback win, pushing Inter Miami closer to Club World Cup knockout stage.

Published: 19 June 2025

Lionel Messi delivered yet another iconic moment on the world stage, scoring a brilliant free-kick to lift Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday. The win puts the MLS side on the verge of qualifying for the Round of 16.

Playing at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Inter Miami found themselves trailing 1-0 after a VAR-confirmed penalty converted by Porto’s Samu Omorodion early in the first half. But just minutes into the second half, Telasco Segovia leveled the score for the Herons, finishing off a cross from Marcelo Weigandt.

Then came Messi’s moment of magic.

Taken down just outside the box in the 54th minute, the Argentine legend stepped up to the set piece amid chants of “Messi! Messi!” and fired a trademark left-footed strike into the top corner. The goal — Messi’s first in the newly expanded Club World Cup — proved decisive, sending the stadium into a frenzy and keeping Inter’s knockout hopes alive.

“[Messi] leads us in how we compete,” Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano said after the match. “Even in the final minutes, when everyone is exhausted, he gives everything.”

Both clubs came into the match needing points, having drawn their opening Group A fixtures. With the win, Inter Miami now prepares to face Brazil’s Palmeiras on Monday in South Florida. A victory there would secure a place in the Round of 16.

Porto, meanwhile, must defeat Al Ahly in their group finale at MetLife Stadium to stay in the tournament.

Asked about Messi’s performance, Porto manager Martin Anselmi simply said: “What more is there to say? He’s Messi. You know what he can do.”