Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi’s trademark free kick inspired the team to a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory over Porto in the Club World Cup on Thursday.
The Argentine superstar curled a precise set piece into the top corner during the second half, securing a surprising win for the MLS side and boosting their hopes of advancing from Group A.
Inter Miami now share four points with Palmeiras, who earlier defeated Al Ahly 2-0. Both Porto and Al Ahly remain on one point each.
Porto took the lead early through Samu Aghehowa’s penalty, capitalising on their dominance in the first half and creating several scoring chances.
However, Telasco Segovia levelled Miami before Messi’s stunning free kick clinched the upset in what many had expected to be a straightforward match for the Portuguese team.
Co-owned by former England international David Beckham, Inter Miami played their inaugural MLS match in 2020 and dramatically raised their profile with Messi’s signing in 2023.
This win marks the first competitive victory for an MLS team over European opposition in the tournament’s history, following Chelsea’s recent win over Los Angeles FC.
“It’s a huge joy; the entire team gave their all,” Messi told DAZN. “We knew we were the underdogs, but we had our strengths and competed well against a strong European team.”
Despite Messi’s presence, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was only half full at kickoff, likely due to the early weekday 3:00 pm start. Attendance grew during the match, with nearly 32,000 fans eager to see the 37-year-old legend in action.
Messi was the standout performer, frequently involved and creating chances from the start. He played a clever through ball to veteran striker Luis Suarez, who was denied by Porto’s goalkeeper Claudio Ramos.
Porto’s opening goal came after a VAR-reviewed penalty decision against Miami’s Noah Allen for a light contact on João Mario. Samu Aghehowa converted confidently, beating Miami’s keeper Oscar Ustari, despite a good hand on the shot.
Uruguay striker Suarez nearly equalised but was foiled by Ramos after being forced to shoot with his weaker left foot.
Miami’s Benjamin Cremaschi almost levelled after a Suarez run disrupted Porto’s defence, but Ramos made a vital save. The Portuguese side had other chances denied by Miami’s goalkeeper and a crucial goal-line clearance by Maximiliano Falcon.
Inter Miami equalised early in the second half as Segovia blasted home a cross from Marcelo Weigandt, stunning Porto. Then, in the 54th minute, Messi took centre stage with a perfectly executed free kick after being fouled just outside the box, sending the ball soaring into the top right corner.
“Messi is a leader and the greatest player in the world,” Inter Miami forward Fafa Picault said. “I felt that free kick was going in—it was a clutch moment and a show of leadership.”
Miami defended resolutely in the closing stages, absorbing pressure during seven minutes of stoppage time. The team threw themselves in front of shots, inspired by coach Javier Mascherano’s combative style.
In the end, Inter Miami held on for a landmark win that could shape the tournament’s group stage.
