Messi's masterpiece helps Inter Miami create history at Club World Cup

VHO - Lionel Messi once again affirmed his superstar status when he scored the decisive goal with an exemplary free kick, helping Inter Miami defeat FC Porto 2-1 in the second match of Group A of the 2025 Club World Cup. This victory not only brought the MLS representative closer to the round of 16 but also marked a historical milestone: the first time a North American club defeated a European opponent in an official FIFA tournament.

Messi shines with a beautiful free kick against Porto

Messi and his ageless mark

The match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, USA) witnessed a completely different Lionel Messi from the lackluster image in the 0-0 draw against Al Ahly. After the first half was led by a penalty goal from Porto's Samu Aghehowa, Inter Miami entered the second half with great determination.

Just two minutes after the break, Telasco Segovia received a cross from Marcelo Weigandt and finished close to the goal to tie the score at 1-1. But the real highlight of the match only exploded in the 54th minute.

Messi, in a situation where he is good at dribbling from the middle, was fouled by Rodrigo Mora right on the edge of the penalty area. And from a free kick from more than 20m away, the 37-year-old superstar drew a beautiful curve, sending the ball over the wall, straight into the top corner of Porto's goal, leaving the goalkeeper and the opposing defense astonished.

“A world- class goal, from a world-class player,” coach Javier Mascherano could not hide his excitement when talking about his student.

Historic Milestone for MLS and Inter Miami

The victory over Porto not only helped Inter Miami rise to the top of Group A (4 points, equal with Palmeiras) but also made history in North American football: the first time an MLS club defeated a European representative in an official FIFA tournament.

This is also Messi's 50th goal for Inter Miami, after only 61 appearances - a performance that makes any striker admire.

“Messi never stops surprising us. He is the greatest player in history and he proves it every day,” said young midfielder Federico Redondo.

“When I saw the ball leave Messi's feet, all I could say was: 'That's it'. We're used to moments like that, but it still gives me chills every time.”

Mascherano and a transformed Inter Miami

In contrast to their lackluster performance in the opening match, Inter Miami played with discipline, coherence and a clear desire to win against Porto. They did not panic after conceding a goal, but instead played more and more confidently, making the most of the experience of their stars and the understanding between the lines.

Coach Javier Mascherano – who is making a name for himself on the coaching bench – was pleased with his players' performance:

“The whole team played fantastically. Messi was the leader both technically and mentally. Even when he was tired and in pain at the end of the match, he kept giving his all.”

The Argentine strategist also affirmed that this victory was a historic day for the club, and called on the whole team to keep their spirits up going into the "group final" match against Palmeiras.

The situation of Group A and the problem ahead

After two matches, Inter Miami and Palmeiras both have 4 points, sharing the top two positions. Meanwhile, FC Porto and Al Ahly have only 1 point. In the final match, Inter will face Palmeiras directly. **Just a draw**, Messi and his teammates will win tickets to the round of 16.

However, with high spirits and Messi's impressive form, Inter Miami have reason to aim for victory - as an affirmation of the MLS representative's great ambition in the global playground.

“We showed that we are ready to compete. This is not just a victory for Messi or any individual, but a victory for the whole team – a club that dares to dream big,” coach Mascherano emphasized after the match.

Messi – the fire of miracles

When many people doubted Messi's ability to compete at the top level at the age of 37, he once again made the football world bow down in admiration. Not only with his beautiful goal, but also with his fighting spirit and never-ending desire to win.

The 2025 Club World Cup is only two games old, but with Messi and Inter Miami on the rise, their incredible journey – and a new chapter for North American soccer – could be just beginning.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/tuyet-pham-cua-messi-giup-inter-miami-tao-cot-moc-lich-su-tai-club-world-cup-144437.html