Messi Inspires Inter Miami to Historic Club World Cup Victory
Another chapter was added to the never-ending legend of Lionel Messi as the Argentine icon guided Inter Miami to their first-ever win at the FIFA Club World Cup, helping his team overcome Porto in a dramatic 2–1 victory.
Making their debut at the tournament, Inter Miami found themselves behind for the first time after an early setback. In just the 8th minute, Porto were awarded a penalty. Óscar Ustari nearly kept out Samu's strike, but the ball crept past the goalkeeper and into the net.
Sloppy Start, Inspired Response
Inter Miami struggled for rhythm in the first half. Luis Suárez came closest with a one-on-one chance, while Benjamín Cremaschi had a decent effort denied by the Porto keeper. On the other end, Porto missed a golden opportunity to double their lead – Falcón produced a heroic goalline clearance to deny Mora.
But the second half told a different story. Inter struck back swiftly: Segovia finished off a sweeping move with a thunderous strike under the crossbar just minutes after the restart. Then came the moment of magic. Awarded a free-kick just outside the box, Messi curled in a vintage finish into the top corner in the 54th minute – a goal worthy of the occasion and stage.
Miami Hold Firm
Porto pushed for an equaliser as the game wore on, but Inter Miami dug deep, showing resilience and composure to protect their lead. The final whistle confirmed a landmark victory – not just for the club, but for Major League Soccer as well.
Next up, Inter Miami face Palmeiras. A draw would be enough to see both sides progress, but with Messi in this kind of form, expect fireworks.
2025 FIFA Club World Cup
Inter Miami - Porto 2:1 (0:1)
Goals: Samu, 8 (penalty) (0:1); Segovia, 47 (1:1); Messi, 54 (2:1)
Inter Miami: Ustari; Allen; Weigandt (Avilés, 63); Falcón; Fray (Picault, 79); Busquets; Cremaschi; Segovia (Redondo, 71); Allende (Alba J., 79); Luis Suarez; Messi
Bench: Yarbrough; Ríos Novo; Martínez H.D.; Sailor; Morales; Afonso; Rodríguez Baltasar; Obando
Porto: Ramos; João Mário Neto; Marcano (Gül D., 87); Moura (Otávio, 87); Pedro Ze; Fernandes M. (Borges G., 59); Varela A. (William Gomes, 74); Veiga G. (Eustáquio, 59); Vieira F.; Mora; Samu
Bench: Fernandes D.; Pérez N.; Sanusi; Oliveira A.; Pepê E.; Perez Tom.; Alarcón; Sousa Vasco; Loader; Franco An.
