Atlanta, GA – Lionel Messi delivered a decisive moment of brilliance on Thursday, June 19, 2025, powering Inter Miami to a vital 2-1 victory over two-time European champion Porto in a pivotal FIFA Club World Cup Group A clash held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The win, secured by Messi’s trademark free kick, marked his first goal in the expanded Club World Cup format and provided a significant boost to the Major League Soccer side’s ambitions of advancing from the group stage of the prestigious global tournament.
Setting the Stage in Atlanta
The encounter in Atlanta was freighted with importance for both clubs competing in Group A. Inter Miami entered the match seeking their first win of the tournament after a scoreless draw against Egyptian giants Al Ahly in their opening fixture. Porto, a seasoned European powerhouse with a rich history on the continental stage, presented a formidable challenge at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The atmosphere, charged with anticipation, saw fans gather to witness stars like Lionel Messi take the field in this revamped global club championship, held across various venues in the United States.
Early Setback for Miami
The match began tensely, with both sides feeling out their opponents. It was Porto, however, who struck first, exploiting a defensive lapse in the Inter Miami backline. In the 8th minute, a passage of play led to a contentious moment inside the penalty area. After a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), a penalty was awarded to the Portuguese side.
Portuguese forward Samu Omorodion stepped up to take the spot-kick. With composure and precision, Omorodion converted the penalty, giving Porto an early 1-0 lead and putting pressure squarely on the shoulders of the Inter Miami players.
Inter Miami initially struggled to break down Porto’s organized defense, which looked comfortable protecting their advantage. The MLS side sought to find rhythm and create opportunities, but the European champions demonstrated tactical discipline, limiting space for Miami’s attacking threats, particularly their Argentine talisman.
Despite falling behind, Inter Miami maintained their composure, seeking avenues to penetrate Porto’s disciplined structure. The first half concluded with Porto holding their narrow 1-0 lead, leaving Inter Miami needing a significant response after the break to salvage points from the crucial Group A encounter.
Second-Half Resurgence
The interval appeared to inject new energy into the Inter Miami squad. They emerged for the second half with renewed purpose and intensity, immediately pushing higher up the pitch and putting pressure on Porto’s defense. This aggressive start paid dividends almost instantly.
Just two minutes into the second half, in the 47th minute, Inter Miami found their equalizer. A well-worked move saw defender Marcelo Weigandt deliver a crucial cross into the Porto penalty area. Positioned effectively, Telasco Segovia met the delivery and finished clinically, leveling the score at 1-1 and igniting the Inter Miami faithful inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The equalizer shifted the momentum of the match. Inter Miami, buoyed by Segovia’s goal, continued to press, sensing an opportunity to turn the match around against the European opponent. The midfield battle intensified, and the pace of the game quickened as both teams sought the go-ahead goal.
Messi’s Match-Winning Magic
With the score tied and the match finely poised, it was the unparalleled genius of Lionel Messi that ultimately tipped the balance. In the 54th minute, Inter Miami was awarded a free kick in a dangerous position just outside the Porto penalty area. It was precisely the kind of scenario where Messi has authored countless memorable moments throughout his illustrious career.
Stepping up to take the set piece, the atmosphere inside the stadium grew hushed with anticipation. Messi struck the ball with his characteristic left foot, bending it expertly over the Porto wall and beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.
The ball nestled into the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Inter Miami players and fans. The goal, scored with typical Messi artistry, put Inter Miami ahead 2-1 and marked a significant personal milestone for the Argentine superstar – his inaugural goal in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
Porto’s Late Push and Miami’s Defense
Trailing for the first time in the match, Porto reacted by increasing their attacking intensity. The Portuguese side pushed forward in search of a late equalizer, creating a few anxious moments for the Inter Miami defense. However, the MLS team, galvanized by Messi’s goal and the prospect of a crucial victory, defended resolutely.
Inter Miami manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino’s side showed composure under pressure, with players tracking back and closing down spaces effectively to thwart Porto’s attempts to break through. Goalkeeper Drake Callender also made important interventions to preserve the lead in the final stages.
The final whistle confirmed the 2-1 scoreline, handing Inter Miami a hard-fought and historically significant victory in their Club World Cup campaign.
Group A Outlook and Qualification Path
The win against Porto secures Inter Miami’s first three points in Group A, adding to the single point earned from their opening scoreless draw against Al Ahly. With four points from two matches, their destiny in the tournament’s group stage remains firmly in their own hands.
Inter Miami will now return to South Florida to prepare for their final and decisive group stage match. That critical encounter is scheduled for Monday, where they will face Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium.
The scenario for qualification is clear and straightforward: Inter Miami needs a victory against Palmeiras to advance to the Round of 16. A draw or a loss would complicate their path significantly, potentially leading to elimination depending on the outcome of other matches in the group.
The performance against Porto, particularly the resilience shown after falling behind and the match-winning contribution from Lionel Messi, provides a boost of confidence for Inter Miami heading into the must-win clash against Palmeiras. The team will need to replicate this level of performance, combining defensive solidity with attacking penetration, to secure their place in the knockout stages of the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
