Lionel Messi scored the winner for Inter Miami over FC Porto to help the American side close to qualification in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The Argentine forward netted his first goal of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup with a beautiful free kick to inspire Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, to a 2-1 comeback triumph over two-time European Winners, Porto.
At the break, the Herons were behind 1-0, after S. Aghehowa had placed the Portuguese side ahead, but Telasco Segovia levelled in the 47th minute, converting a cross into the box from Marcelo Weigandt.
Then, Messi sealed victory for Inter Miami in the 54th minute; with his trademark free-kick goal, added to his achievements, Messi will definitely go down as one of the greatest in football.
Both sides finished goalless draws in their Group A openers.
Head coach of Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano, hailed his side’s display level against a side regarded as among the top clubs in Europe.
In his post-victory comments, Mascherano said: “We were working really, really hard against a team that have a lot of quality and a high level, but today, we showed to the world and to ourselves that we can compete against any team.
“This match, the first half was very, very good, also. The players understood that they can do it. When we are together, when we are next to our teammates, we can do something amazing.”
Photo: Lionel Messi scored winner for Inter Miami from free-kick. Dale Zanine/Reuters
