Lionel Messi inspired Inter Miami to a 2-1 comeback victory over Porto at the Club World Cup with a signature stunning free-kick.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored the winner in the second half as the MLS side picked up their first victory of the tournament.
GettyMessi stole the show as Inter Miami grabbed their first Club World Cup win[/caption] GettyThe captain scored a stunning second half free-kick to see off Porto in Atlanta[/caption]Javier Mascherano’s men, who qualified as hosts by winning last year’s MLS Supporters’ Shield, were held to a goalless draw by Al Ahly in their opener on Saturday.
Meanwhile, a win for Palmeiras earlier on Thursday left both sides keen for a victory to bolster their qualification hopes.
It was Porto who appeared set to put one foot into the last 16, though, as they took the lead early in the first half.
Samu Omorodion opened the scoring after just eight minutes as he converted a penalty for the Portuguese side.
The two-time European champions remained in front for the remainder of the first half, with Messi and his teammates unable to get any kind of foothold in the game.
However, Mascherano’s half time team-talk had the desired effect as his side wasted no time following the restart.
Telasco Segovia levelled just two minutes into the second 45 minutes before Messi unleashed the magic at the Mercedes Benz Stadium.
The 37-year-old produced a trademark effort as he curled a spectacular free-kick past Claudio Ramos in the Porto goal.
His strike was his first at the Club World Cup since scoring for Barcelona in the 2015 final against River Plate.
The strike was also his 50th for the club in just 61 appearances since joining in July 2023.
GettySegovia had equalised for the tournament hosts two minutes into the second half[/caption]View Tweet: twitter.com/FIFACWC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
He lined up alongside two former teammates from his time with the Spanish giants.
Both Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez were named in the starting line-up by Mascherano in Atlanta.
The trio produced a vintage display as Porto were unable to cope with their quality during the second half.
Meanwhile, Jordi Alba was also introduced off the bench for the closing stages.
Messi is already a three-time winner of the Club World Cup after triumphs in 2009, 2011 and 2015 with Barca.
His heroics against Porto leave Miami needing just a point in their final match to reach the knockout stage.
GettyMessi’s goal leaves Miami needing just a point from their last match to advance[/caption]A draw against Palmeiras on Tuesday would see both sides advance from group A.
The Brazilian side currently top the group on goal difference having beaten Egyptian club Al Ahly 2-0 in their second match.
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