Of course it was Lionel Messi.
On a night Inter Miami made incredible history for an MLS side in the FIFA Club World Cup, the living legend himself was always going to have a say.
And with the match knotted 1-1 early in the second half against Porto, Messi stood over a free kick from just outside the area.
The maestro’s mystical left foot had plenty of magic in it on this occasion, and Miami held the 2-1 lead to the finish line.
53′ ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? 🐐
Messi scores a GORGEOUS free kick goal and @InterMiami are now leading 2-1 versus @FCPorto!
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MIAFCP pic.twitter.com/KvshKKFrrY
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025
The victory was historic.
It’s the first time an MLS side has ever beaten a European team in a FIFA club tournament.
Miami overcame an eighth-minute deficit, too. Samu Aghehowa scored from the penalty spot to put the Portuguese side ahead.
Telasco Segovia equalized in the 47th minute for Miami, and then Messi delivered his moment seven minutes later.
Miami now has a strong chance to make it out of its group. They need just a draw against Brazilian side Palmeiras in the final group stage game to advance.
If Messi has some more free kicks like this one up his sleeve, Miami’s advancement should be secure.
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