Club World Cup: Messi’s Inter Miami tops Porto 2-1

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami writes a memorable page of its young history in the Club World Cup, overcoming Porto 2-1 on the second day of Group A. Javier Mascherano’s team, after a difficult start and Samu’s early goal on a penalty kick for the Portuguese, found the strength and talent to overturn the result thanks to goals from Segovia and a Leo Messi once again the absolute protagonist.

After a first half of suffering, in which Porto put the North Americans on the ropes with intensity and quality, Inter Miami came back on the field in the second half with a completely different attitude. The equalizer came thanks to a paw of Segovia on the developments of a well-constructed action. Then, the magic. From close range, Messi kicked a perfect free kick with his classic left-footed volley at the goalkeeper’s post, completely turning the game around and giving his side three crucial points for qualification.

For Messi this is the 50th goal in the Inter Miami jersey, yet another milestone in an already legendary career. Even more impressive is the figure on free kicks: the one against Porto was goal number 68 on free kicks, bringing him even closer to two legends like Pelé (70) and Juninho Pernambucano (77), the undisputed king of free kicks.

In the standings, Inter Miami climbs to 4 points, hooking Palmeiras at the top. On the final day of the round, a draw between the two teams could be enough to guarantee both teams passage to the round, leaving Porto and Al Alhi round to compete for crumbs.