Lionel Messi delivered once again, scoring a sublime free kick in the 54th minute to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 win over FC Porto in Thursday’s FIFA Club World Cup Group A clash.
The Portuguese side struck first when Joao Mario drew a penalty from Noah Allen in the eighth minute, confirmed via VAR. Samu Aghehowa stepped up and converted, despite Oscar Ustari getting a hand on the shot. Aghehowa, who tallied 19 goals in the Primeira Liga this past season, gave Porto the early edge.
Miami equalized shortly after halftime. In the 47th minute, Marcelo Weigandt whipped in a cross that found Telasco Segovia, who fired past Claudio Ramos to level the score.
Just seven minutes later, Messi worked his magic. After a foul by Porto’s Rodrigo Mora, the Argentine stepped up and curled a flawless free kick into the top right corner—his 68th career goal from a set piece. It proved to be the match-winner.
Despite being outshot 14-6, Miami were more efficient, putting five shots on target to Porto’s three. Ustari made just one save but held firm, while Ramos managed three stops for Porto.
Both teams had drawn their opening matches—Miami 0-0 against Al Ahly and Porto by the same scoreline against Palmeiras. With this result, Inter Miami now take control of Group A as they continue their Club World Cup campaign.
