Messi free-kick helps Miami beat Porto 2–1

Atlanta

Lionel Messi scored a brilliant free-kick to lead Inter Miami to a 2-1 comeback win over Portugal’s Porto in their FIFA Club World Cup Group A match on Friday.

Porto got an early lead just eight minutes into the game at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Inter Miami’s Noah Allen gave away a penalty after a VAR check confirmed a foul on Joao Mario. Samu Aghehowa converted the spot kick, giving Porto a 1-0 lead.

Before halftime, Porto almost made it 2-0. Alan Varela’s strong shot hit the post and bounced off Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari, but he recovered the ball just in time.

Inter Miami looked much sharper after the break. In the 47th minute, Telasco Segovia scored with a powerful shot from a Marcelo Weigandt cross to level the match. Just seven minutes later, Messi curled a free-kick into the top corner after Luis Suarez won a foul near the box.

“I saw the space and took the chance,” Messi said. “We were disappointed after our first match, so this win feels great.”

With this win, Inter Miami moves to second place in Group A with four points, the same as Brazil’s Palmeiras, but behind on goal difference. Porto and Egypt’s Al Ahly have one point each. Inter Miami will next face Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23.

“We knew we weren’t the favourites, but we stayed confident,” said Sergio Busquets. “Now comes the toughest match — the one against the best team in the group.”