Inter Miami CF v FC Porto: Group A - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The Argentine superstar did it again, as he scored the game-winner for Miami in a huge victory to put them in pole-position for the knockouts

Lionel Messi's Inter Miami pulled off a remarkable two-goal comeback to defeat Portuguese giants FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup Thursday afternoon, 2-1, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored the winner, a remarkable free kick in the 54th minute, to secure all three points and move the Herons on to four points through two games in the 32-team competition in the United States.

Porto opened the scoring early, with Spain international Samu Aghehowa sinking home from the penalty spot just eight minutes in after Miami defender Noah Allen committed a sloppy tackle in the box that brought Joao Mario down, and the Portuguese side were awarded an early spot kick. They followed it with a near-dominant performance through the halftime whistle, but were never able to capitalize with a second goal - which ultimately proved to be their downfall.

Miami came out of the halftime break reinvigorated with fire in their eyes, and they earned a goal back just two minutes into action.

Winger Telasco Segovia smashed home a splendid half-volley off a cross from Marcelo Weigandt, bringing the two sides level with over 40 minutes left in the match. Then, however, Porto committed a silly foul on the edge of their box just seven minutes later, allowing Messi to double the lead from a dead-ball situation, and that's exactly what the Argentine did.

His trademark left foot curled the ball over the all and into the back of the net, and the 37-year-old was immediately swarmed by his teammates, and those in attendance shouted his name from the stands.

With a one-goal lead with 35 minutes to spare, the Herons had a newfound confidence, and they rode that wave until the final whistle sounded to give them all three points in a crucial Club World Cup victory.

With the result, they sit second in Group A, level on points with Brazilian side Palmeiras, whom they play on Matchday 3 in their Group Stage finale.

GOAL rates Inter Miami's players from Mercedes-Benz Stadium...

Inter Miami CF v FC Porto: Group A - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Goalkeeper & Defense

Oscar Ustari (7/10):

Got a hand on the penalty kick attempt, but couldn't keep it out. Otherwise, really solid, including one big save in stoppage time.

Noah Allen (5/10):

Started really shaky, giving away an early penalty kick. After he recovered well, but often found himself struggling in 1v1 situations and failing to keep up with the pace of Porto's attack.

Maxi Falcon (7/10):

Had a near-perfect game for Miami. He was a huge contributor to them keeping a clean sheet in the second half and was defensively sound all game long.

Ian Fray (7/10):

Really, really smart performance. He kept Samu quiet most of the evening and fought off a technical Rodrigo Mora at the same time. Well done.

Marcelo Weigandt (7/10):

Fantastic assist, and relatively solid defensively. Unfortunately, he appeared to suffer a hip injury that forced him off in the second half.

Inter Miami CF v FC Porto: Group A - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Midfield

Tadeo Allende (5/10):

Not a flashy game by any means, but he did what he needed to stretch the pitch. Relatively solid.

Benjamin Cremaschi (7/10):

Such a special player. The 20-year-old played a box-to-box role that saw him provide the legs and size necessary to compete with Porto's midfield, while being the perfect complement to Suarez and Messi.

Sergio Busquets (8/10):

Turned the clock back to 2015 as the lone true defensive midfielder on the pitch. Absolutely sublime in controlling the tempo and operating the center of the park for their transition-based game.

Telasco Segovia (8/10)

What a half-volley from the 22-year-old to get Miami back into the game. He didn't have the best of games full-circle, but that moment was all he needed to make an impact. Exactly what the Herons needed.

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Attack

Luis Suarez(6/10):

He had moments where he dropped into a deeper role and played those around him well, but he struggled to be the No. 9 they needed in the box. Not his best.

Lionel Messi (9/10):

Absolutely world-class from the Argentine star; what a fantastic free kick. He was Miami's best player on the day, and when they needed him most, he showed up.

Inter Miami CF v FC Porto: Group A - FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Subs & Manager

Jordi Alba (N/A):

Introduced with 11 minutes left, helped maintain the result.

Federico Redondo (6/10):

Subbed on with 20 minutes to spare to close out the match.

Tomas Aviles (6/10):

Brought on with roughly 30 minutes to spare, and was relatively solid, but had a few questionable moments.

Fafa Picault (N/A):

Subbed on late, closed out the game.

Javier Mascherano (6/10):

The tale of two halves, whatever Mascherano said at halftime, it worked. The Herons had a tough first half, struggling to keep up with the tempo and strength of Porto, but some small tweaks at the break completely opened up the game. Mascherano should be thrilled with the performance overall. On course for the knockouts.