Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance on Thursday, scoring a stunning free-kick to help his team secure a 2-1 comeback victory against FC Porto in their second group fixture at the 2025 Club World Cup.
The Major League Soccer (MLS) side had previously struggled in their tournament opener, managing only a goalless draw against Egyptian giants Al Ahly. However, Thursday's win has significantly improved their chances of progressing to the next round of the prestigious global club competition.
After falling behind to the Portuguese side in the first half, Inter Miami showed remarkable resilience. Messi's trademark curling free-kick in the second half proved decisive as the American club completed their comeback.
Messi Reflects on Crucial Victory
Speaking to DAZN after the match, a visibly relieved Messi praised his team's collective effort: "It was a great effort from the whole team. Not only did we defend, but we managed the ball well. We had a sour taste after the game against Al Ahly."
The Argentine superstar added, "This is a very important victory, and we'll enjoy it."
The win places Inter Miami in a favorable position to qualify for the knockout stages of the tournament, with football analysts noting that Messi's experience in high-stakes international competitions is proving invaluable for the relatively young MLS franchise.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Inter Miami, representing their first win in Club World Cup history and highlighting the growing competitiveness of American club football on the global stage.
The 2025 Club World Cup has already produced several surprising results, including PSG's unexpected defeat to Brazilian side Botafogo and a challenging match for Real Madrid, who have identified areas for improvement according to goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
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