Thu Jun 19 21:59:02 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick goal to secure a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami against Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup. This win pushes Inter Miami closer to qualifying for the Round of 16. Porto initially led with a penalty goal, but Inter Miami equalized early in the second half. Messi’s decisive goal came in the 54th minute. The Inter Miami coach praised the team’s performance and Messi’s leadership. A win in their next match against Palmeiras would guarantee Inter Miami’s advancement.

**News Article:**

**Messi Magic: Inter Miami Edges Porto in Club World Cup Thriller**

**ATLANTA, GA** – Lionel Messi delivered a moment of pure brilliance, scoring a spectacular free-kick to propel Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Porto in their FIFA Club World Cup match held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The win puts Inter Miami on the cusp of qualifying for the Round of 16 in the expanded tournament.

Porto struck first with a penalty converted by Samu Omorodion early in the match. However, Inter Miami responded early in the second half with Telasco Segovia equalizing. The game was far from over as both teams seemed to battle it out to emerge as the better team.

The defining moment came in the 54th minute when Messi was fouled just outside the box. Amidst chants of “Messi! Messi! Messi!” from the crowd, the Argentinian superstar stepped up and curled a left-footed free-kick over the wall and into the top corner of the net.

“He’s the best player ever to play this sport,” Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said, praising Messi’s leadership and determination. “But his determination to win is always surprising. Even in the last minutes, when everyone is tired, he continued to support the team in any way he could.”

Inter Miami will return to South Florida to face Palmeiras. A victory in that match will secure a spot in the Round of 16. Porto will play Al Ahly at MetLife Stadium.

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