Messi nets winner as Inter Miami beat Porto | OneFootball

Lionel Messi pulled off a moment of brilliance as Inter Miami came from a goal down to beat Porto 2-1 in Atlanta, earning their first win of the 2025 Club World Cup.

The Portuguese side took an early lead after just eight minutes, with VAR awarding a controversial penalty for a challenge by Noah Allen on João Mário. Samu Aghehowa stepped up and confidently tucked it away to give the Portuguese side the advantage.

Miami responded well, creating a couple of decent chances through Luis Suárez and Benjamin Cremaschi, but both were kept out by Porto keeper Claudio Ramos.

Just before half-time, the Dragons almost grabbed a second when Alan Varela’s shot rattled the post and Oscar Ustari made a smart stop to prevent the rebound from going in.

The American side came out firing after the break and were back on level terms within two minutes, as Telasco Segovia smashed home a first-time finish from Marcelo Weigandt’s cross after a sweeping team move.

Seven minutes later, Messi worked his magic. With his very first shot of the match, he curled a sublime free-kick past Ramos to give Miami the lead in his 50th goal for the club.

Porto piled on the pressure late on in search of an equaliser, but Inter held firm to seal a vital three points.

The result leaves Inter Miami in control of their own destiny going into their final Group A match against Palmeiras, who beat Al Ahly 2-0 earlier in the day. A win there would see them top the group.

Porto, meanwhile, will be disappointed after a bright start and now face a must-win clash against Al Ahly to keep their qualification hopes alive.