Messi Shines Bright as Inter Miami Stuns FC Porto in Club World Cup Thriller
What a match we witnessed in Atlanta! The clash between Inter Miami and FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup turned out to be one of those unforgettable nights, and yes—Lionel Messi was at the heart of it.
It all started with a promising first half from FC Porto. The Portuguese side looked sharp and determined, with Samu converting a penalty in the 8th minute after a VAR review confirmed a foul in the box. That early lead could have been extended if not for a couple of critical saves from Inter Miami’s keeper. FC Porto created opportunities, with their attack slicing through the American defense more than once. Yet, they failed to capitalize on those chances.
Then came the second half, and everything changed.
The tide turned almost immediately after the break. Inter Miami, with tactical adjustments and relentless pressing, found their rhythm. In the 47th minute, Telasco Segovia—formerly of Casa Pia—slotted in the equalizer after a slick move involving Busquets and Weigandt. The goal ignited the stadium, but what followed was simply magical.
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Lionel Messi, in his trademark fashion, stepped up for a free kick just outside the box in the 54th minute. With fans holding their breath, he curled the ball around the wall and into the top corner—unstoppable, untouchable, Messi at his very best. It was his first goal in this edition of the tournament and the 50th for Inter Miami. A milestone delivered in style.
And then, the celebration. Not his usual sky-pointing gesture. This time, Messi raised his pinky fingers toward the crowd—a new and mysterious gesture, sparking all kinds of speculation. The Argentine has been known for his meaningful celebrations, from tributes to his late grandmother to Marvel-inspired gestures dedicated to his children. This new one? A fresh addition to the Messi legend.
FC Porto tried to react, made several substitutions, and pushed forward in the final minutes. But the urgency came too late. Despite a few near-misses—including Samu’s header and Mora’s shot deflected just wide—the scoreboard didn’t budge. Inter Miami held firm, sealing a historic 2-1 victory.
The loss leaves FC Porto in a precarious position. With a draw against Palmeiras already on the books, this defeat complicates their chances of advancing. They now find themselves depending on other results—no longer masters of their own fate in Group A.
One more note that can't go unmentioned—this was the first time since 2012 that a European club lost to a non-European team in the Club World Cup. A painful stat for the Dragões, but a testament to the growing strength of clubs like Inter Miami.
And at the center of it all? Lionel Messi. Once again proving that in football, a moment of brilliance can rewrite the story.
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