Messi Magic: Free-Kick Masterpiece Sends Inter Miami Past Porto at Club World Cup
Just when you think Lionel Messi has shown it all, he steps up again with another moment of brilliance—and this time, it came on the world stage at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. In a pivotal Group A clash between Inter Miami and Portuguese giants FC Porto, Messi delivered a stunning free-kick goal to seal a dramatic 2-1 victory, marking a historic win for Inter Miami—the club’s first ever at a Club World Cup.
The match, played at Atlanta’s packed Mercedes-Benz Stadium, got off to a tense start. FC Porto struck early when Samu Aghehowa converted a penalty in the 8th minute. The penalty, awarded after Miami’s Noah Allen tripped Joao Mario inside the box, was confirmed by VAR. Despite goalkeeper Oscar Ustari getting a glove to it, the ball found its way into the net. That goal seemed to give Porto an edge, but it didn’t last.
Inter Miami came out of the halftime break with renewed energy. Within just two minutes of the second half, Marcelo Weigandt sent in a brilliant cross that Telasco Segovia smashed home to equalize, sending the Miami fans into a frenzy. The goal was not just a turning point in the match, but a statement of intent from the MLS side.
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And then came the magic moment. In the 54th minute, Messi was fouled just outside the penalty area by Porto’s Rodrigo Mora. The stadium atmosphere shifted. The chants began: “Messi! Messi! Messi!” You could feel the anticipation. And then—like clockwork—Messi curled a sublime left-footed shot over the wall and into the top right corner of the net. It was his 68th career free-kick goal , and arguably one of the most significant in Inter Miami’s short but storied history.
That goal proved to be the winner, as Miami held firm defensively to secure all three points. The win puts Inter Miami in a strong position in Group A, especially following their earlier 0-0 draw against Al Ahly. Now, with their final group match against Brazil’s Palmeiras looming, a win would see them through to the Round of 16.
On the flip side, Porto will be feeling the pressure. After a goalless opener against Palmeiras and now a loss to Inter Miami, their final group match against Al Ahly is a must-win if they want to keep their Club World Cup hopes alive.
This was more than just another win. For Inter Miami and Major League Soccer, it was a landmark moment on the global football stage. And at the heart of it, once again, was the genius of Lionel Messi—proving that even at 37, he’s still capable of writing new chapters in football history.
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