ATLANTA, June 19, 2025 — Lionel Messi once again delivered a moment of pure footballing sorcery, bending in a jaw-dropping free-kick to cap Inter Miami’s stunning 2-1 comeback victory over FC Porto in a pulsating Group A clash at the FIFA Club World Cup. Played inside the electric atmosphere of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, this clash was a rollercoaster of drama, emotion, and high-stakes football — and it was Messi who lit the fuse.
⚽️ Messi Turns the Tide in True GOAT Fashion
With Miami trailing early after an ice-cold penalty from Porto’s teenage sensation Samu Aghehowa in the 8th minute, the odds looked stacked against the American club. But just when it seemed Porto might cruise to their first group-stage win, Inter Miami flipped the script.
Telasco Segovia pounced on a loose ball early in the second half, smashing home the equalizer to revive Miami’s hopes. Then came the moment the entire world had waited for — in the 54th minute, Messi stepped up to a set piece just outside the box. What followed was vintage Leo: a curling left-footed missile that flew past Porto’s keeper like a guided missile into the top corner. The crowd erupted. The bench exploded. And Twitter melted.
🔥 Mascherano’s Bold Gamble Pays Off
Head coach Javier Mascherano — Messi’s former Argentina teammate — made subtle but effective tactical tweaks at halftime that flipped the game. “We stayed calm, trusted the plan, and then… well, Messi happened,” Mascherano quipped post-match. Despite reports that the captain was nursing slight discomfort, Messi stayed on and changed the narrative.
💔 Porto’s Early Promise Fizzles Out
Porto came flying out of the gates, high on confidence and fluid in attack. Aghehowa’s penalty was clinical, and for much of the first half, they had Miami chasing shadows. But in the second half, the Portuguese side ran out of ideas — and legs. Even with seven minutes of stoppage time and a late flurry of set pieces, they couldn’t break through Miami’s revitalized defense.
📊 Group A Shake-Up: Miami Moves Into Pole Position
The win propels Inter Miami to four points, tied with Brazilian giants Palmeiras. FC Porto and Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly, meanwhile, languish at the bottom with just one point each. With one matchday remaining, the race for the knockout stages is wide open — and suddenly, Miami look like real contenders.
🎙️ Broadcast Brilliance Boosts the Buzz
Adding to the theater was the vibrant English-language commentary from legendary voice Andrés Cantor and former MLS star Brian Dunseth on DAZN. Their energetic calls of Messi’s free-kick had fans across the globe reaching for the replay button.
🌍 The World Reacts: “Still HIM”
Fans and pundits worldwide are hailing Messi’s performance as yet another chapter in his ever-growing legend. Social media lit up with tributes, memes, and reactions: “He’s still HIM,” trended globally within minutes of the goal.
📌 What’s Next?
Inter Miami faces a decisive clash with Al Ahly next week, knowing a win guarantees a spot in the semifinals. Porto, now fighting for survival, will need nothing less than a win — and some help — to keep their hopes alive.