Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise co-owned by David Beckham, pulled off a stunning 2-1 upset against Portuguese giants FC Porto in the Club World Cup, thanks to a trademark free-kick from their talismanic captain, Lionel Messi. The victory marked a significant milestone, representing the first competitive win for an MLS team against a European opponent and solidifying Inter Miami’s chances of progressing from Group A. Messi’s second-half set-piece, curled into the top corner with precision, proved decisive in a match that many predicted would be a comfortable victory for Porto. The win not only underscored Messi’s enduring brilliance but also highlighted Inter Miami’s growing stature on the global football stage.
The match, played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, began with Porto asserting dominance. Samu Aghehowa converted an early penalty after a VAR review adjudged Noah Allen to have made minimal contact with Joao Mario inside the box. Despite Oscar Ustari getting a hand to the ball, Aghehowa’s low effort found the back of the net, giving Porto a deserved lead. The Portuguese side continued to create opportunities and could have extended their advantage, hitting the post and forcing Ustari into several crucial saves. Inter Miami, however, showed resilience and created chances of their own, with Luis Suarez, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, coming close on a couple of occasions.
The second half witnessed a dramatic turnaround in fortunes for Inter Miami. Immediately after the restart, Telasco Segovia capitalized on Marcelo Weigandt’s cut-back, blasting the ball past Claudio Ramos to level the scores. The equalizer injected renewed energy into Inter Miami, who started to play with greater confidence and purpose. The moment of magic arrived in the 54th minute when Messi was fouled just outside the penalty area. The Argentine maestro stepped up and, with his customary elegance, dispatched the free-kick into the top right corner, leaving Ramos with no chance. The goal sent the Inter Miami bench and the growing number of fans in the stadium into raptures.
Messi’s free-kick proved to be the decisive moment of the match. Inter Miami, energized by their captain’s brilliance, defended resolutely for the remainder of the game, repelling Porto’s attempts to find an equalizer. Ustari made several vital saves, and the defenders threw their bodies on the line to protect their lead. The seven minutes of stoppage time added to the tension, but Inter Miami held firm, securing a historic victory. The win not only boosted their chances of advancing in the Club World Cup but also sent a powerful message about the growing competitiveness of MLS.
The match showcased the transformative impact Messi has had on Inter Miami. Since joining the club in 2023, the Argentine superstar has elevated their profile significantly, attracting global attention and raising expectations. His presence on the pitch has undeniably improved the team’s performance, instilling confidence and inspiring his teammates to perform at their best. Against Porto, Messi was the standout player, orchestrating attacks, creating chances, and ultimately scoring the winning goal. His leadership and brilliance were instrumental in securing the historic victory.
Beyond the immediate result, Inter Miami’s triumph over Porto carries broader significance for MLS. It represents a landmark achievement for the league, demonstrating its growing competitiveness on the international stage. While MLS teams have historically struggled against European opposition, Inter Miami’s win provides a tangible sign of progress. The victory serves as a testament to the league’s continued development and its ability to attract world-class talent. The match also underscores the importance of marquee signings like Messi in raising the profile of MLS and attracting a wider audience.
