Watch Lionel Messi’s free kick.
Lionel Messi delivered a moment of magic with a stunning second-half free-kick, finding the top corner and sealing a surprise win for Inter Miami — a result that puts them in a strong position to advance from Group A.
Both Inter Miami and Palmeiras now sit on four points, after the Brazilian side earlier defeated Al Ahly 2-0. Meanwhile, Al Ahly and Porto are left trailing with just one point each.
Porto had started the match on the front foot, taking an early lead through Samu Aghehowa’s penalty. They controlled much of the first half and could have easily added to their tally.
But things changed after the break. Telasco Segovia powered home the equaliser for Miami before Messi stepped up with a brilliant free-kick to complete the turnaround — an outcome few saw coming, with many expecting a routine win for Porto.
Since joining Inter Miami in 2023, Messi’s presence has massively boosted the club’s global profile. Co-owned by former England captain David Beckham, the club only played its first MLS game in 2020 — and this victory marks a historic first: the first competitive win by an MLS team over European opposition.
Despite Messi’s star power and status as the tournament’s biggest name, the stadium in Atlanta was barely half full at kick-off. A 3:00 pm weekday start time likely played a role, similar to Chelsea’s opener earlier in the week at the same venue. However, as the match wore on, more fans trickled in, eager to witness the 37-year-old legend in action — with nearly 32,000 in attendance by the end.
And Messi didn’t disappoint. He was electric from the start, constantly involved and driving play forward. In one early moment, he floated a clever, dipping pass behind the defence for Luis Suarez, whose effort was saved — although he was flagged offside anyway.
Discussion about this post