A perfect left-footed shot into the top corner of the net gave Inter Miami fans hope for the 2025 Club World Cup on Thursday, June 19. In a thrilling match, Lionel Messi led the U.S. team’s comeback against a weak Porto (2-1), leaving his team one step away from the round of 16.
Just five days shy of his 38th birthday, the Argentine star once again made it clear that his talent is timeless. Not only did he score an outstanding goal, but he also controlled the pace of the match, dominating every phase of the game and creating the best chances for his side.
Messi, owner of the ball and the game
From the start, Messi made it clear that the game would be played at his pace.
Just 1:45 minutes in, a combination of his own down the left flank, looking for his old partner Luis Suárez, foreshadowed what was to be an Inter Miami monologue.
However, the veteran Uruguayan striker was unable to finish the chances created by the Argentine.
The U.S. team dominated, but in one of Porto’s few arrivals, a slight contact by Allen on João Mário was penalized as a penalty after a VAR review.
Samu shot powerfully, and although goalkeeper Ustari guessed the side, he could not prevent the goal (1-0).
A young talent that excites
Despite Porto’s lead, the game continued to revolve around Messi.
On the pitch, an 18-year-old Rodrigo Mora dared to challenge the Argentine star with flashes of quality: elegant controls, back-heels and a game with a lot of personality.
Before the break, Inter Miami missed another clear chance at the feet of Suarez, who missed a one-on-one after Messi’s through ball.
Porto, meanwhile, were guilty of conformism and gave up the counter-attack.
The goal that changed everything
MESSI MAGIC ONCE AGAIN ☄️🐐
What a free kick from the goat at the FIFA Club World Cup. pic.twitter.com/EiAv4invb8
– Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 19, 2025
The start of the second half brought the expected change.
Just 47 minutes in, a masterful turn by Busquets started the move that ended with a powerful finish by Velasco Segovia to make it 1-1.
Just seven minutes later, the stadium collapsed: Messi was brought down on the edge of the box and took the free kick with surgical precision.
The ball flew with his classic lob, straight into the top corner. It was the definitive 2-1 and a new chapter in the legend of the rosarino.
Control of the match and historic triumph
Buzzy
Porto was unable to react.
Miami, well-drawn, played on the counter-attack.
The Portuguese team’s few options were neutralized by the defense and by an inspired Ustari.
The game died with Inter Miami in control.
Messi even came close to rounding off his night with a lob that went just wide.
With this victory, Inter Miami is very close to qualifying for the round of 16, in a tournament in which Messi continues to prove that, even in the final stage of his career, he can make a difference at the elite level.
It was a great joy. We worked well, improving compared to the first game. We took advantage of the space the goalkeeper left and scored
