Messi’s Moment: Free Kick Decides Inter Miami vs Porto Clash
Inter Miami vs Porto – Lionel Messi delivered his first goal of the expanded Club World Cup as Inter Miami edged FC Porto 2-1 on Thursday at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Taken down just outside the box by Rodrigo Mora in the 54th minute, Messi stepped up to curl a left-footed blast over the wall and into the top right corner, igniting Miami’s campaign.
The result follows a goalless draw against Al Ahly in Miami’s opening match. With this win, Inter Miami moves into a strong position to reach the knockout rounds of the tournament.
First Half: Porto Takes Early Lead
FC Porto drew first blood when Samu Aghehowa converted a penalty in the opening minutes after a video review confirmed a foul. That put Inter Miami on the back foot before halftime, leaving coach Javier Mascherano’s side with work to do.
- Porto’s early goal marked their first in the tournament and put pressure on Miami.
- The match showcased how closely contested inter miami vs fc porto encounters can be, with Porto FC demonstrating their European pedigree.
Second Half Response: Equalizer and Messi’s Winner
Two minutes into the second half, Telasco Segovia leveled for Inter Miami, capitalizing on a cross from Marcelo Weigandt. The momentum shifted, and the crowd—chanting Messi’s name—sensed a turning point. When Messi struck the free kick, Miami took the lead and held on despite late pressure.
Messi’s goal was also his 50th for Inter Miami in 61 appearances. It marked the first time a CONCACAF team defeated a European opponent in a FIFA international club competition. After the match, Messi said on DAZN:
“It was a great effort from the whole team. Not only did we defend, but we managed the ball well. We had a sour taste after the game against Al Ahly. This is a very important victory, and we’ll enjoy it. It is being seen that we want to compete; we competed against a good team, and here and there we gave away the first half. The young guys had nerves playing in this competition for the first time.”
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Reactions: Coach and Teammates Praise Messi
Miami head coach Javier Mascherano highlighted Messi’s leadership:
“[Messi] leads us in the ways we have to compete. His hunger, resilience, his will to go on competing at whatever level. He’s the best player ever to play this sport. But his determination to win is always surprising. Today, he was tired and hurt in the last few minutes but continued to help the team get the result. Having him gives us an advantage.”
Midfielder Federico Redondo added:
“Messi doesn’t stop surprising us. He’s incredible. He’s the best player in history and keeps showing it day by day.”
Defender Marcelo Weigandt noted:
“Extraordinary. When I saw the ball take off with such power I said, ‘No, that’s it.’ We’re used to this kind of thing. Knowing him has shown me what a great person he is, and that only makes him greater and more extraordinary.”
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Group A Standings and What’s Next
With this win, Inter Miami sits on four points, level with Palmeiras at the top of Group A. Porto and Al Ahly trail on one point each. A draw in the final group match against Palmeiras will guarantee Miami a place in the round of 16. Mascherano emphasized the significance:
“It’s a historic day for our club. Everyone should enjoy it in their own way; everyone is doing their part to help the club continue to move forward. It means we’re still alive; we’re playing our third game with a chance of qualifying.”
Fans following inter miami – porto matches will watch closely as Miami aims to maintain momentum. The result underlines Messi’s impact in inter miami vs fc porto and sets the stage for the decisive clash with Palmeiras in the next ipl-style showdown in the Club World Cup format.
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