Key Points

Lionel Messi delivered a moment of magic with a sublime free-kick to complete Inter Miami's comeback against Porto. The MLS side fought back after conceding an early penalty, with Telasco Segovia equalizing before Messi's winner. The victory puts Miami in strong position to advance from Group A. Next up is a decisive clash against group leaders Palmeiras.

Key Points: Messi Free-Kick Seals Inter Miami Comeback Win Over Porto

  • Porto took early lead via Samu Aghehowa penalty
  • Telasco Segovia leveled for Miami after halftime
  • Messi curled decisive free-kick in 54th minute
  • Miami now second in Group A behind Palmeiras
2 min read

Messi free-kick lifts Inter Miami over Porto in Club World Cup

Lionel Messi's stunning free-kick helps Inter Miami rally past Porto 2-1 in a thrilling FIFA Club World Cup Group A clash.

"I took advantage of the space the goalkeeper left me. – Lionel Messi"

Atlanta, June 20

Lionel Messi struck a stunning free kick to seal a 2-1 comeback victory for Inter Miami over Porto in their FIFA Club World Cup Group A clash on Friday (IST).

Porto took the early lead just eight minutes into the match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Inter Miami defender Noah Allen was penalised for a challenge on Joao Mario inside the box following a VAR review.

Samu Aghehowa stepped up and converted the resulting penalty, beating veteran Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari despite the Argentine getting a hand to the ball, reports Xinhua.

The Portuguese side nearly doubled its advantage before halftime when midfielder Alan Varela's powerful strike from 20 yards hit the post. The rebound deflected off Ustari's back, but the keeper managed to collect the ball just before it crossed the line.

Inter Miami, who managed only six touches inside Porto's box in the first half, came out energised after the break and found the equaliser in the 47th minute. Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia latched onto a cross from Marcelo Weigandt and fired the ball into the top corner.

The Major League Soccer side completed its comeback just seven minutes later. Luis Suarez earned a free kick on the edge of Porto's penalty area, and Messi stepped up to curl an exquisite set piece into the top right corner.

"I took advantage of the space the goalkeeper left me," Messi explained. "Very happy because we were left with a bitter taste in our mouths after the first game."

The win lifts Inter Miami to second place in Group A with four points from one win and one draw, trailing Brazil's Palmeiras only on goal difference. Porto and Al Ahly follow with one point each. Inter Miami will host group leader Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23 in their final group fixture.

"We knew we weren't favourites, but we had our chances," said Miami's Sergio Busquets. "The hardest step remains against the best team in the group."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 authentic Indian perspective comments for the Messi/Inter Miami news article:
R
Rahul K.
Messi magic never gets old! 🇮🇳 fans waking up to this free-kick goal makes the morning coffee taste better. Hope he brings this form to India someday for an exhibition match. Our stadiums would be packed!
P
Priya M.
As much as I love Messi, I wish Indian football got even 10% of this coverage in our media. We have talented players too who deserve attention. That said - what a goal! 🚀
A
Arjun S.
Stayed up till 3 AM IST watching this match - totally worth it! Messi proving why he's GOAT. But credit to Inter Miami's defense too, that second half turnaround was something else.
S
Sunita R.
The way Messi places those free kicks is pure art 🎨. Reminds me of Beckham's precision but with more finesse. Hope Indian kids watching this get inspired to practice set pieces!
V
Vikram J.
MLS teams beating European clubs shows how global football is becoming. Maybe ISL teams should get Club World Cup spots too? Would be great exposure for Indian football.
N
Neha P.
While Messi was brilliant, I feel Porto's defense made it too easy for him. That wall jump was poorly timed. Still, can't take anything away from that perfect curler! âš½

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