Lionel Messi delivered a moment of trademark brilliance to score his first goal of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, leading Inter Miami to a 2-1 comeback win over Portuguese giants Porto.
Facing a 1-0 deficit at halftime after Samu Omorodion converted an early penalty following a VAR decision, the Herons clawed their way back into the Group A clash just two minutes after the restart. Telasco Segovia latched onto a well-placed cross from Marcelo Weigandt to draw the sides level.
But the defining moment of the night belonged, once again, to Messi.
In the 54th minute, the 37-year-old was brought down just outside the box by Porto’s Rodrigo Mora. With the crowd at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium chanting his name, Messi stepped up and curled a stunning left-footed free kick over the wall and into the top corner — a goal that ultimately sealed victory for the MLS side.
The strike was vintage Messi, and another highlight for a player whose legacy in world football is already untouchable.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano lauded his players’ performance, especially against such a formidable European opponent.
“We were working really, really hard against a team that has a lot of quality,” Mascherano said post-match. “Today we showed to the world, and to ourselves, that we can compete against any team.”
He praised his team’s unity and resilience: “When we are together, when we are next to our teammates, we can do something amazing.”
Mascherano also reserved special praise for his former Argentina teammate: “Messi is the player that leads us in the ways we have to compete. His hunger, his resilience, his will to go on competing — at whatever level — always surprises us. He’s the best player ever to play this sport.”
Both Inter Miami and Porto had opened the tournament with goalless draws, leaving this match a crucial turning point in Group A standings.
Porto manager Martin Anselmi acknowledged the challenge his team faced. “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.”
Inter Miami will now return to South Florida for a decisive matchup against Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium. A win would secure their place in the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Porto will look to salvage their campaign when they face Egypt’s Al Ahly at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
With input from Al Jazeera and additional news agencies
