Lionel Messi delivered yet another unforgettable moment in his illustrious career, scoring a trademark free-kick to guide Inter Miami to a sensational 2-1 comeback victory over FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The Argentine icon’s second-half set-piece helped the MLS side secure a historic win, putting them in prime position to qualify from Group A.
This was not just another goal — it was vintage Lionel Messi, bending the ball into the top corner and sending fans at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium into a frenzy. His brilliance turned the tide of a match that many had expected Porto to dominate.
Inter Miami vs FC Porto – Match Details
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
|---|---|
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Date and time | June 20, 2025 – 03:00 PM local / 00:45 IST |
| Streaming | FIFA+ App, Sony Sports Network |
| Stadium Opened | 2017 |
| Capacity | 71,000 |
| Owner | Georgia State Government / AMB Group |
| Home team | Inter Miami |
Messi Magic Turns the Tide in Club World Cup Thriller
The match began with FC Porto taking an early lead, thanks to a controversial penalty awarded after a VAR review. Inter Miami’s Noah Allen made minimal contact with Joao Mario, yet the referee pointed to the spot. Spain international Samu Aghehowa calmly slotted the penalty past goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, who had nearly saved it.
Lionel Messi, starting for Inter Miami, was heavily involved from the outset. He created multiple chances, including a perfectly placed through ball for Luis Suarez, which narrowly missed due to an offside call. Despite trailing at halftime, Inter Miami showed immense resilience.
Segovia Levels, Messi Finishes the Job
At the start of the second half, Telasco Segovia brought Inter Miami back into the match. His powerful strike from Marcelo Weigandt’s cross stunned Porto and energized the MLS side. The equalizer opened up the match, and just minutes later, Lionel Messi took center stage.
Fouled just outside the penalty area, Messi stood over the ball with trademark focus. What followed was a piece of footballing brilliance: a curling free-kick that flew past the wall and into the top-right corner. It was Messi’s first Club World Cup goal of the 2025 tournament and yet another reminder of his class.
Inter Miami’s Historic Milestone
This victory marked a major milestone — Inter Miami became the first MLS team to defeat a European club in a competitive match at the FIFA Club World Cup. Their previous encounter against European opposition ended in defeat to Chelsea, but this time, thanks to Messi’s magic, the narrative changed.
Despite an early afternoon kickoff, nearly 32,000 fans eventually filled the stadium, eager to witness Lionel Messi in action. He did not disappoint, producing a man-of-the-match performance and raising Inter Miami’s profile on the global stage.
Porto Push Late, Miami Hold Firm
Porto launched a late surge, hitting the post and testing goalkeeper Ustari multiple times. Defender Maximiliano Falcon cleared a goal-bound effort off the line, keeping Inter Miami in front. With seven minutes of stoppage time added, the pressure mounted, but the MLS side held their nerve.
The final whistle blew with the scoreboard reading 2-1 in favor of Inter Miami, a result few saw coming. Co-owned by David Beckham, the American club’s rise since signing Lionel Messi in 2023 has been nothing short of meteoric.
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Club World Cup Group A Standings (After Match)
| Team | Played | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Inter Miami | 2 | 4 |
| Palmeiras | 2 | 4 |
| FC Porto | 2 | 1 |
| Al Ahly | 2 | 1 |
Final Thoughts
Lionel Messi’s impact on Inter Miami continues to be monumental. Not only did his free-kick goal secure a vital win in the Club World Cup, but it also symbolized the arrival of MLS clubs as serious contenders on the world stage. With this victory, Inter Miami is now eyeing a place in the knockout rounds, and as long as Messi is on the pitch, anything is possible.
