Messi Magic Lifts Inter Miami to Historic Club World Cup Win Over Porto

ATLANTA — Lionel Messi delivered another iconic moment to his already illustrious career, curling home a trademark free kick in the 54th minute to seal a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory for Inter Miami over FC Porto at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The win, played in front of a roaring crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marked the first-ever victory for an MLS team over European opposition in official Club World Cup history a landmark night for both Inter Miami and CONCACAF.

After a flat opening to the tournament and an early deficit in this match, few would have predicted the turnaround that unfolded. FC Porto struck first when Samu Aghehowa calmly converted a penalty just eight minutes into the match. Inter Miami struggled to find their rhythm early on, with Luis Suárez and Benjamin Cremaschi both coming close in the first half, only to be denied by Porto’s goalkeeper. A crucial defensive stop from Maximiliano Falcón kept the deficit at one heading into halftime.

Then came the resurgence.

Just minutes into the second half, Telasco Segovia leveled the score with a thunderous strike, finishing off a flowing team move that began with Marcelo Weigandt’s surging run and cross. The goal injected life into Inter Miami, and from that moment, the MLS side began to believe.

That belief was rewarded when Messi, standing just outside the box in a central position, struck a breathtaking free kick into the top corner. The Porto keeper never had a chance. It was Messi’s 50th goal for Inter Miami in all competitions, a milestone achieved with vintage flair.

From there, the South Florida club held their ground. Behind a resolute backline and disciplined midfield anchored by Sergio Busquets, Miami saw out the win and earned their first three points of the tournament. The victory catapults them to second in Group A, behind Brazilian giants Palmeiras, and keeps their dream of advancing alive.

Head coach Javier Mascherano praised his squad’s courage and unity post-match. “Today is a historic day for our club,” he said. “We faced a team of pedigree, but we trusted in our plan. We dared to play, and we were rewarded.”

Inter Miami’s final group stage challenge awaits against Palmeiras on June 23. A draw would send them through to the Round of 16 , a scenario that seemed unthinkable after their opening loss to Al Ahly. But thanks to Messi’s brilliance and the team’s grit, the path forward is clear.

This win might just be the spark that ignites Inter Miami’s campaign and perhaps begins to rewrite the perception and reputation of MLS on the global stage.

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