Inter Miami Star Delivers Iconic Performance vs Porto
At the heart of the newly expanded FIFA Club World Cup, Lionel Messi once again proved that some players transcend the game. The Inter Miami forward was the main attraction at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday, where his decisive free kick helped his team secure a historic 2-1 win over FC Porto.
In front of 31,783 fans, many of whom traveled from across the U.S. and abroad just to see him, Messi turned a potentially forgettable group stage match into a moment of footballing folklore. The game marked a milestone for both Messi and the tournament — showcasing how one player can define an entire event.
A Global Icon Commands the Stage
Before kickoff, the energy around the stadium was electric. Supporters came from places as far as Puerto Rico and Dublin, many admitting that they were there for one reason: to watch Messi play. While some insisted they were “here for the football,” it was clear that Messi’s presence was the real draw.
Inside the stadium, chants of “Me-ssi!” echoed with every touch of the ball. The crowd roared 30 minutes before kickoff when the Argentine star appeared on the field, building to a deafening climax as he lined up a free kick in the 61st minute.
With the score tied 1-1 after a smart finish by teammate Telasco Segovia, Messi struck from just outside the box, curling the ball past Porto’s Claudio Ramos. It was his 50th goal for Inter Miami — and it came in a match that also marked the first time a CONCACAF team defeated a European side in a competitive fixture.
A Moment Bigger Than the Match
The match had started slowly. FC Porto took the lead through a penalty converted by Samu Aghehowa, silencing the crowd and briefly stunning Messi, who stood motionless with his hands on his hips. But Inter Miami responded almost immediately after halftime, setting the stage for Messi’s decisive strike.
The significance of the moment was not lost on those watching. Portuguese defender José Fonte, speaking on the DAZN broadcast, described the goal as “Touched by God… What a player.”
This wasn’t just a win. It was a turning point for the tournament, which had drawn over 60,000 fans for its opening match in Miami and is being positioned by FIFA as a month-long football spectacle — “63 Super Bowls in one month,” as President Gianni Infantino described it.
Club World Cup’s Star Power Rests on Messi
Messi’s influence extended beyond the pitch. His presence is widely seen as the reason Inter Miami was fast-tracked into the Club World Cup, despite not winning the MLS Cup. The club qualified via the Supporters’ Shield, sparking debate about the tournament’s structure and meritocracy.
Yet for FIFA, the gamble appears to be paying off. Messi has brought global attention and legitimacy to the event, and his performances are helping shape the narrative around its future. With Inter Miami needing only a draw in their final group match against Palmeiras to reach the knockout stage, Messi may yet have more to give.
Teammate Fafà Picault summed up the atmosphere post-match, calling Messi a “leader, winner, and winner again.” He emphasized that leadership came not only through words but through actions — and on Thursday, Messi’s actions spoke loudest of all.