AFCON 2025
Inter Miami staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Portuguese giants FC Porto 2–1 in their second Group A match of the FIFA Club World Cup, held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday night.
The match, played in front of a raucous crowd, saw the Major League Soccer side register a historic victory over European opposition, inspired by a moment of magic from Lionel Messi.
Porto began the game with intensity and earned an early breakthrough when Samu Aghehowa converted from the penalty spot in the 8th minute.
The spot-kick was awarded following a clumsy foul by Noah Allen, and after a quick VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot. Aghehowa kept his composure to send goalkeeper Oscar Ustari the wrong way and put the Portuguese side ahead.
Despite trailing, Inter Miami showed resilience and began to grow into the game as the first half wore on, though clear-cut chances remained scarce.
The breakthrough for the American club came almost immediately after the interval. Just two minutes into the second half, Marcelo Weigandt burst down the right flank and picked out Telasco Segovia, who took a touch before firing past Claudio Ramos to level the score.
With momentum shifting in Miami’s favour, the stage was set for Lionel Messi to take over. In the 54th minute, Miami won a free kick just outside the box.
Messi, as he has done countless times throughout his career, stepped up and curled a sublime effort into the top corner, leaving Ramos rooted to the spot.
It was his 68th direct free-kick goal and his first ever for Inter Miami in FIFA Club World Cup competition. The goal also marked his 50th strike for the club in just 61 appearances.
Porto attempted to rally in the final 20 minutes, pushing forward in search of an equaliser. Their efforts nearly paid off when Evanilson struck the post with a low shot from the edge of the area.
However, the Inter Miami defence, buoyed by late introductions including Jordi Alba, held firm under pressure. Ustari made several important stops, and Miami’s shape remained compact as they saw out the final minutes.
The victory puts Inter Miami in a strong position in Group A with four points from two matches, level with Palmeiras, who they face in their final group game.
Porto, meanwhile, are left needing a win in their last match against Al Ahly to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
