Mercedes-Benz Stadium- Lionel Messi’s game-winning free kick gave Inter Miami CF a historic 2-1 victory over FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup. Miami became the first MLS team to register a win in the international tournament, and the first CONCACAF squad to defeat a European team in an official FIFA tournament.
Most important victory in #InterMiamiCF history.. The squad earned it…#MLS #FIFACWC #Messi #Messigoat https://t.co/ODSCipm7BK
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 19, 2025
Samu Aghehowa put Porto ahead 1-0 eight minutes into the match after a penalty kick was awarded to the Portuguese team.
Porto leads 1-0 after the penalty scored…Not much else from the European squad..#InterMiamiCF has had possession most of the match…#Messi #MLS
pic.twitter.com/VURrfdUByN— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 19, 2025
After the penalty, Porto created other clear chances to score, but with a bit of luck and skill, Inter Miami was able to go into halftime only down 1-0.
Falcón is usually in the right spot for #InterMiamiCF #MLS #
pic.twitter.com/sGJWJERd7o— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 19, 2025
The second half started with a blast for the Herons, as Telasco Segovia rocketed a shot into the upper net of the Porto goal two minutes in. Chelo Weigandt served Segovia a nice pass in the box, and the young Venezuelan evened the score 1-1.
Weigandt with the cross & Segovia blasts it home for the 1-1 draw…#MLS #FIFACWC #InterMiamiCF
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 19, 2025
Inter Miami continued pressing forward with the belief that they could take down the Portuguese juggernaut with thirty league titles to its name. In the fifty-fourth minute, the legend of futbol, Lionel Messi, scored a mesmerizing free kick that gave the Herons the 2-1 lead.
Lionel #Messi with the exquisite free kick to put #InterMiamiCF up 2-1.. The GOAT 🐐 never ceases to amaze..#MLS #FIFACWC
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 19, 2025
Porto tried to react but couldn’t find a way to break through, and Inter Miami CF made team history with the 2-1 win.
Postgame
Lionel Messi gives few postgame interviews, but after the Porto match, he commented on Inter Miami’s gritty effort and their ball movement,
It was a great effort by our team, we did a good job. Not only defending well, but during the first half and until the second goal, 2-1, we moved the ball very well.
Messi is a great team leader, giving credit to his teammates for their efforts, but he is the one who guides the team, just like Mascherano said after the game,
He guides us. His winning spirit is contagious to our team.
Lionel Messi has willed Inter Miami CF to a good performance thus far in the FIFA Club World Cup. Few expected the Herons to have possibilities of getting out of the group stage, but now, Inter Miami has a chance to finish first in the group with a win over Palmeiras. Mascherano believes that the Herons can compete in this tournament if they stick to the plan and have the courage to compete.
If we are convinced of what we have to do, if we have a plan, if we support each other and play together, especially if we dare to play, we can compete.
Palmeiras will be a difficult challenge for Inter Miami, but just like with Porto, if the Herons play smart and with grit, they can achieve a positive outcome.
Final Thoughts
Javier Mascherano made three important adjustments in the starting XI for Inter Miami to face FC Porto. Ian Fray at center back, Chelo Weigandt at right back, and Benjamin Cremaschi in the midfield provided the Herons with speed and the ability to cover lots of ground. All three had strong performances in Miami’s victory. Unfortunately, Fray and Weigandt came out of the game because of injuries, and their status for the Palmeiras game is uncertain.
Despite going down early against Porto, the Herons continued with the game plan, without panic or hesitation. The focus and determination in the face of adversity are a testament to the leadership that the Barca Boys provide, especially Lionel Messi.
Lionel Messi is truly a marvel of futbol. The Goat continues to shine and provide memorable moments on the pitch at almost thirty-eight years of age. His exquisite game-winning free kick was not only magical but also historic. Enjoy these moments, because they won’t last forever.
Lionel #Messi with the exquisite free kick to put #InterMiamiCF up 2-1.. The GOAT 🐐 never ceases to amaze..#MLS #FIFACWC
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 19, 2025
Rodrigo Mora is the young sensation for Porto who got all the headlines before the Inter Miami CF match, but Benjamin Cremaschi had a strong performance that surely opened some eyes. The young Heron played in the midfield, as a winger, and at right back against Porto. Cremaschi’s stock is on the rise so far in the tournament.
Rodrigo Mora gets all the hype, but Benja Cremaschi has been the better young player in this game …#FIFACWC #MLS #InterMiamiCF pic.twitter.com/bEJQyFTjeT
— Xavier Guerrero (@XGLAVOZ) June 19, 2025
The Herons have had a good showing in the FIFA Club World Cup so far, and the level of play they showed against Porto should be the standard when they return to play MLS matches again. If they can stay healthy and play at that level, Miami has a good chance to challenge for the MLS Cup.
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