Inter Miami vs Porto. Lionel Messi stole the show at the Club World Cup, curling in a trademark free kick to give Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Porto after going behind early.

Porto took the lead on a penalty kick within the first ten minutes, but Telasco Segovia equalized early in the second half with an absolute screamer. Yet within the game’s all-important hour of play time, Messi took command of the pitch and bent a free kick perfectly for the comeback win for Miami.

FIFA’s big draw is Messi, especially as they aim to grow the Club World Cup’s profile in the United States. Miami now ties with Brazil’s Palmeiras in Group A with four points.

Next up in the Club World Cup group stage: Inter Miami vs Palmeiras and Porto vs Al Ahly on Monday, June 23.

Messi Does It Again With a Classic Free Kick

There’s something timeless about watching Messi bury a free kick, and this one capped off a strong second half for Inter Miami vs Porto.

Porto fans held their breath when Messi earned the foul himself, crashing into Ze Pedro right at the edge of the box. The ball was placed dead center, right on the edge of the “D.” Goalkeeper Claudio Ramos had to guess right — but Messi curled it into the top corner with his left foot, leaving Ramos with no chance.

Beyond the goal, Messi — named Player of the Match — ran the show. Despite coming in with injury concerns and his 38th birthday approaching, he looked sharp from the start. Within two minutes, he was charging down the right and whipping in a cross for Luis Suarez, who was offside.

Suarez struggled throughout the first half, squandering several setups from Messi. At one point, Messi controlled a high ball, beat two defenders with one touch, and slid a pass into space — only for Suarez to be caught flat-footed again.

Still, Miami’s game plan was clear: let Messi roam and create. It worked — even if it meant sacrificing some structure. He even got nutmegged hilariously late in the match by Fabio Vieira, who had a laugh with him afterward.

But when you’ve got Messi scoring like this, handing him the keys makes sense.

What Inter Miami’s Win Over Porto Means for the Club World Cup

Let’s be honest — Inter Miami wasn’t supposed to be in this tournament.

They didn’t win MLS Cup and weren’t high enough in regional rankings. But the host country gets a spot, and after Miami won the MLS Supporters’ Shield last October, FIFA president Gianni Infantino got the opening he needed to put a Messi-led team in.

Now, here they are — and they may be sticking around longer than expected.

The free kick was vintage Messi. We’ve seen him do it for Argentina, Barcelona, PSG, and now Inter Miami vs Porto. But this one came on a global stage and shifted expectations.

Few predicted a five-year-old MLS club could beat a Champions League regular like Porto. But Messi, Suarez, and Busquets give Miami the kind of star power that makes anything possible.

Despite a thin squad, they’re becoming the story this tournament needed.

What Was the Crowd Like in Atlanta?

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is no stranger to big crowds. Atlanta United regularly draws over 40,000, and last year’s Copa America match between Argentina and Canada pulled over 70,000.

So why only 31,783 for Inter Miami vs Porto?

For starters, this wasn’t a national team game. A 3 p.m. start on a Thursday wasn’t ideal for fan attendance. Many Americans are still unfamiliar with the Club World Cup, let alone expansion. And Atlanta doesn’t have a large Portuguese population.

Even with the empty seats, the atmosphere inside was lively. Fans were there to see Messi, and the stadium’s dome helped amplify the noise.

What Went Wrong for Porto?

Messi’s brilliance aside, Porto underperformed in back-to-back matches. After a goalless draw with Palmeiras, they came into the Inter Miami vs Porto fixture needing a win but looked sluggish and uninspired.

Their lone bright spot? Samu Aghehowa.

He converted the early penalty and showed flashes of danger throughout. At first, he struggled under pressure and lost possession often. But once he settled in, he made life tough for Miami’s defenders.

Aghehowa used his strength and pace effectively when Porto played longer balls. Ian Fray and Maximiliano Falcon had trouble containing him. One lovely backheel almost produced a goal, but it was cleared off the line by Falcon.

Just before the half, he dribbled from his half the entire length of the field, beating defenders before his low shot on goal was saved. He was still a threat in the second half, but he went unsupported. Porto’s attack grew stale, and despite his many incisive runs to try and get open, he was never looked for.

In the end, he showed why Chelsea had been interested in him while at Atletico.

What’s Next for Inter Miami?

Monday, June 23: Inter Miami vs Palmeiras — Club World Cup group stage (Miami)

What’s Next for Porto?

Monday, June 23: Porto vs Al Ahly — Club World Cup group stage (East Rutherford)