Lionel Messi Leads Miami to Comeback Win in Club World Cup Thriller

Lionel Messi once again proved why he is one of the greatest footballers of all time, as his brilliance helped Inter Miami secure their first-ever victory in a Club World Cup match. Playing at home in the United States, Inter Miami had a slightly better sense of confidence going into the tournament. However, their journey didn’t start well, as they were held to a draw by Egyptian giants Al-Ahly in the opening game. This result created added pressure ahead of their second group match. But when it mattered most, Messi stepped up with a trademark curling free-kick to lift his team to a thrilling 2-1 win over Portuguese club Porto at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The match began with high energy, and Porto quickly silenced the home crowd by taking an early lead. In the fifth minute, Miami defender Noah Allen committed a foul inside the penalty box on Joao Mario. After a quick VAR check, the referee awarded a penalty to Porto, and Samu Agheho calmly converted from the spot in the eighth minute. This early goal put Miami on the back foot. Porto continued to dominate possession and pace, and they almost extended their lead when a powerful shot from outside the box struck the post. Inter Miami had a few chances created mainly by Messi, but poor finishing from his teammates meant they trailed 1-0 at halftime.

The second half brought a different energy, especially from the South Florida side. Just two minutes after the break, Inter Miami found their equalizer. Marcelo Wigandt delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Telasco Segovia made no mistake, firing a one-touch half-volley past the Porto goalkeeper. This quick response lifted Miami’s spirits and shifted the momentum of the match. Messi, who had been orchestrating plays throughout the game, continued to pressure the Porto defense with his vision, dribbling, and passing.

The turning point came shortly after the equalizer. Porto’s Rodrigo Mora fouled Messi just outside the penalty area. It was the perfect setup for the Argentine star, and he didn’t disappoint. Messi stepped up and delivered one of his signature left-footed curling free-kicks, sending the ball soaring into the top corner of the net. The goalkeeper had no chance. That goal, Messi’s 25th in FIFA-organized tournaments, not only secured the win for Inter Miami but also made him the highest scorer in FIFA competitions over the past 20 years, across 10 tournaments.

The remainder of the match saw both teams pressing for more goals. Porto tried to recover and put pressure on Miami’s defense, while the American club also had a few more chances to extend their lead. But neither side could find the net again, and the game ended with a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami. The result marked a historic moment for the club, as they recorded their first win in the Club World Cup.

With this victory, Inter Miami now has four points from two games and currently sits in second place in Group A. They are level on points with Brazilian club Palmeiras, who are on top due to a better goal difference. With one group match remaining, both clubs are strong contenders to move into the knockout stages. For Miami, the win not only boosts their confidence but also shows that with Messi on the pitch, anything is possible.