Daijiworld Media Network- Atlanta
Atlanta, Jun 20: In a moment of sheer brilliance that lit up the Club World Cup, Lionel Messi once again reminded the world why he is hailed as the greatest of all time. With a signature free-kick that found the top corner, the Argentine maestro powered Inter Miami to a 2-1 comeback victory over Portuguese giants Porto, sending shockwaves through the footballing world and setting social media ablaze.
Trailing early after a soft VAR-awarded penalty converted by Samu Aghehowa, Miami looked second best for much of the first half. But a fiery response after the break saw Telasco Segovia smash home the equaliser, before Messi delivered a moment of pure magic in the 54th minute. Having been brought down just outside the box, Messi took matters into his own hands, curling the ball over the wall and into the top right corner – a goal that left Porto's goalkeeper Claudio Ramos with no chance and the internet in a frenzy.
Despite the modest crowd at kick-off, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium eventually swelled to nearly 32,000 fans, many arriving late but just in time to witness Messi’s masterclass. It marked a significant achievement – the first-ever competitive win by an MLS club over European opposition in the tournament's history, following Inter Miami’s debut in 2020 and Messi’s high-profile signing in 2023.
Porto had ample chances to extend their lead before the break, including a close-range strike from Rodrigo Mora that was miraculously cleared off the line by Maximiliano Falcon, and a powerful effort by Alan Varela that ricocheted off the post and struck Miami keeper Oscar Ustari on the back before being cleared.
Veterans Luis Suarez and Benjamin Cremaschi also tested Porto’s defense, but it was Messi who stood tallest, orchestrating the tempo and delivering when it mattered most. His link-up play, precision, and leadership proved too much for the Portuguese outfit.
As Javier Mascherano’s Inter Miami side fought valiantly to defend their narrow lead, fans held their breath through seven tense minutes of stoppage time. With bodies thrown on the line and last-ditch tackles aplenty, the American club held firm to register a historic and emotional win.
The result leaves Group A delicately poised, with both Inter Miami and Palmeiras on four points. The victory, however, belongs to Messi – a man who, even at 37, continues to define football’s greatest moments with effortless genius.