By Samuel Akpan with agency report
Lionel Messi’s trademark free-kick earned Inter Miami a thrilling 2-1 comeback win against Porto in the Club World Cup on Thursday.
The Argentine superstar’s 54th-minute set-piece sealed the victory for the MLS side, giving them a strong chance of progressing from Group A.
Inter Miami trailed early, with Porto’s Samu Aghehowa scoring a penalty in the eighth minute after a VAR review.
Despite dominating the first half, Porto couldn’t extend their lead, thanks to some impressive saves from Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez, 38, had a chance to equalize but was denied by Porto goalkeeper Claudio Ramos.
The tide turned in favor of Inter Miami at the start of the second half when Telasco Segovia blasted home Marcelo Weigandt’s cut-back, leveling the score.
Messi then took center stage, curling a beautiful free-kick into the top corner after being fouled outside the box.
“It’s a huge joy, the whole team made a big effort, we worked really well,” Messi said in a post-match interview with DAZN. “It’s a really important win for us and we have to enjoy it.”
Inter Miami forward Fafa Picault praised Messi’s leadership and skill, saying, “He’s a leader, he’s the player he is, he’s the greatest player in the world. I had a feeling (the free-kick) was going in. That was a great goal, a great show of leadership and coming in a clutch moment for us.”
This historic win marks the first competitive victory for an MLS side over European opposition.
Inter Miami now sits atop Group A with four points, level with Palmeiras, who beat Al Ahly 2-0 earlier in the day. Porto, like Al Ahly, has one point.
In a post-match interview, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano highlighted his team’s determination and teamwork.
“I think today we’ve understood that in soccer, obviously, there are hierarchies.
“And we’ve faced a team that has hierarchy, has international-level players. But if we’re convinced of what we have to do, if we have a plan, if we support each other and play together, but especially if we dare to play, we can compete.”
Inter Miami’s next challenge is against Palmeiras on Monday, with a draw potentially securing their spot in the Round of 16.
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