By IDNN Global Football Desk
Lionel Messi once again proved his mastery on the world stage, curling home a trademark free-kick to hand Inter Miami a 2-1 victory over FC Porto in a pulsating FIFA Club World Cup Group A showdown.
Playing under the bright lights of Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Argentine wizard delivered the moment of magic in the 54th minute, netting the 68th free-kick goal of his glittering career. The goal not only sealed the win but also marked the first-ever Club World Cup victory for a Major League Soccer (MLS) side in the tournament’s expanded format.
How It Happened:
The match started with drama as Porto’s Samu Aghehowa converted a controversial penalty in the 8th minute, following a VAR-confirmed foul by Inter Miami’s Noah Allen.
Miami hit back almost immediately after halftime. Telasco Segovia slotted in the equaliser in the 47th minute from a Marcelo Weigandt cross.
Then came the Messi moment. Brought down just outside the penalty arc, the crowd erupted with chants of “Messi! Messi!” as he stepped up and curled the ball over the wall into the top corner — a strike that left Porto goalkeeper Claudio Ramos rooted to the spot.
Group Stakes and What’s Next
With the win, Inter Miami sits top of Group A and now need a win over Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium to advance to the Round of 16.
Porto, meanwhile, face Al Ahly in a must-win match at MetLife Stadium to avoid early elimination.
Miami’s next match will be a defining one for MLS’s credibility on the global stage — and once again, all eyes will be on Messi.