Messi inspires Inter Miami to win against Porto at Club World Cup

In the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Lionel Messi once again displayed his unmatched skill as Inter Miami defeated Porto 2-1. At Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the Herons overcame a deficit to win the match, and Messi was instrumental in securing the victory with a memorable free kick. Messi's performance cemented his reputation as one of the greatest football players of all time as Inter Miami sought to advance in the tournament.

Messi’s Magic Inspires Inter Miami to Victory

Inter Miami defeated two-time European champions Porto 2-1 thanks to a spectacular free kick from Lionel Messi, who scored his first goal of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Telasco Segovia equalized just two minutes into the second half after Marcelo Weigandt's well-placed cross had put the Herons behind 1-0 at halftime.

The 37-year-old Messi then took over to add yet another noteworthy goal to his already impressive career. In the first few minutes, Samu Omorodion gave Porto the lead by scoring the Portuguese team's first goal of the competition after a video review of a penalty.

Messi's magic sealed the victory in a tense matchup after both teams had played to scoreless draws in their first Group A games. Javier Mascherano, the coach of Inter Miami, commended his team's performance against a top-tier European team, highlighting the effort and caliber of play.

“We were working really, really hard against a team that has a lot of quality and a high level,” Mascherano said. “But today, we showed to the world and to ourselves that we can compete against any team.”

Messi Leads the Way: A Testament to His Resilience

Messi's impact on the field helped Inter Miami as well. Rodrigo Mora fouled Messi just outside the penalty area shortly after the interval. As Messi stepped up to take the free-kick, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd roared and chanted his name. In the 54th minute, he sent the supporters into raptures with a left-footed blast that went over the Porto wall and into the top right corner of the net.

Mascherano went on to commend his star player, saying, "[Messi] is the player that leads us in the ways we have to compete." His perseverance, his hunger, and his determination to continue competing at any level. What more can I say about football? He is the greatest athlete to have ever played this sport. But it always surprises me how determined he is to win. He kept helping the team in any way he could, even in the final moments when everyone was exhausted.

Knowing that a victory over Brazilian team Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium will guarantee their place in the Round of 16, Inter Miami will make their return to South Florida on Monday. The path ahead is more challenging for Porto, as the team must defeat Al Ahly of Egypt in order to move on from the group stage.

Porto’s coach, Martin Anselmi, couldn’t help but reflect on Messi’s brilliance: “What can I say about Messi? I’m not going to say anything that’s new. You know what he’s capable of on the pitch.”

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