Facing an experienced opponent like FC Porto, Inter Miami must win all 3 points to hope to have a ticket to continue in Group A of the FIFA Club World Cup after having to share points with Al-Ahly in the opening match.
This is by no means an easy task for Lionel Messi and his teammates, even though they have the enthusiastic support of more than 30,000 "home" spectators at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The fierce battle between Inter Miami and Porto, the losing team will surely be eliminated early
Inter Miami started the match with determination but they soon fell into a disadvantage when Porto opened the scoring in the 8th minute. Defender Noah Allen committed a foul in the penalty area, allowing Porto's Samu Aghehowa to successfully execute the penalty kick, putting the Portuguese representative ahead 1-0.
Samu Aghehowa successfully scored a penalty kick in the 8th minute for Porto.
With the lead, Porto controlled the game and created many dangerous opportunities. On the other side of the field, Inter Miami was confused in the way they developed the ball and had to rely on the solidity of goalkeeper Oscar Ustari to not concede another goal in the first half.
Porto happy, Inter Miami worried
After the break, coach Javier Mascherano made a series of tactical adjustments, notably pushing up the flanks to create a breakthrough. The effect came in the 47th minute, when Marcelo Weigandt sent a pass like a set piece for Telasco Segovia to unleash a powerful left-footed shot that went straight into the Porto net, equalizing the score at 1-1.
Telasco Segovia equalizes for Inter Miami
Taking advantage of the victory, Inter Miami continued to dominate. In the 54th minute, they were awarded a direct free kick on the left side at a distance of about 23 meters.
As usual, Lionel Messi was the one to take this free kick and he sent the ball over the wall, straight into the top corner of Porto's goal, leaving goalkeeper Cláudio Ramos completely helpless.
Lionel Messi scores a super goal
This superb goal helped Inter Miami take a 2-1 lead, marking Lionel Messi's first goal at the Club World Cup since 2015. This was Messi's 68th direct free-kick goal for club and country, spanning 12 different tournaments.
The Argentine superstar has now reached 50 goals for Inter Miami, after just 61 appearances for the American club. At 37, Messi continues to prove that he is still the one to lift his team when needed, with his own constant evolution in his playing style.
Inter Miami Makes History at FIFA Club World Cup
The Athletic noted: "A magical moment for Lionel Messi! The Argentine superstar once again created magic when he took his signature free kick to help Inter Miami take the lead against Porto.
The FIFA Club World Cup finally got the "Messi moment" the whole tournament had been waiting for. A trademark goal, from a name that has never disappointed the football world .
During the remaining time of the match, Porto pressed the attack strongly with a total of 14 shots. However, Miami's defense remained firm with goalkeeper Ustari continuing to play excellently to preserve the score 2-1.
Notably, this is the first time a club from the CONCACAF region has defeated a European representative at the FIFA Club World Cup – a historic achievement for Inter Miami as well as American soccer.
Porto are certain to be eliminated after losing to Lionel Messi's team
The victory helped Inter Miami rise to second place in Group A with 4 points after 2 matches. Equal on points but with a better sub-coefficient than Inter Miami, Palmeiras (Brazil) with a 2-0 victory over Al-Ahly temporarily leads the group.
In the final match on June 23, Inter Miami will face Palmeiras and a draw is enough for Messi and his teammates to advance to the next round.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/sieu-pham-cua-messi-giup-inter-miami-lap-ky-tich-o-fifa-club-world-cup-196250620062656349.htm
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