Messi Magic Propels Inter Miami to Historic FIFA Club World Cup Victory Over Porto 2-1
Inter Miami CF created a landmark moment on Thursday in Atlanta, overcoming FC Porto 2–1 to establish themselves as the inaugural MLS franchise to secure victory in a FIFA Club World Cup match.
This achievement also represents the first occasion when an MLS squad has triumphed over a UEFA team in official competition.
Lionel Messi spearheaded the Herons' effort, netting the winning goal at the 53-minute mark. A beautifully curved free kick sailed beyond Claudio Ramos, marking his tournament debut goal and providing Miami with the crucial lead that maintains their tournament aspirations.
However, Miami's start was challenging as a VAR decision granted Porto an eighth-minute penalty after Noah Allen failed to connect with the ball during a tackle and caught the opponent's foot near the penalty area.
Samuel Aghehowa executed the penalty flawlessly, driving the ball into the lower corner and side netting, beyond Oscar Ustari's reach, who managed to touch it but couldn't replicate his outstanding performance against Al Ahly.
Miami secured their equalizer in the 47th minute through Telasco Segovia, who delivered a first-touch volley finish from Marcelo Weigandt's cross.
Beyond the scoring, Miami showcased several impressive elements in their display, with Ustari delivering another solid performance in goal for the second straight match, while also witnessing the comeback of experienced defender Jordi Alba, who had been absent from the goalless Al-Ahly encounter due to injury.
Following this triumph, Miami significantly enhanced their prospects of reaching the Round of 16 in the Club World Cup, accumulating four points and holding second place in Group A, trailing only their upcoming adversary, Brazil's Palmeiras, whom they will meet on June 23.
For advancement, Miami requires either a minimum draw against Palmeiras or a stalemate in Porto's encounter with Al Ahly.
For Porto, this defeat severely damages their advancement chances, as they now must defeat the 45-time Egyptian champions while hoping for at least a draw in Miami's clash with Palmeiras.
Review the player ratings from the encounter below.
Inter Miami Player Ratings vs. Porto (4-4-2)
Player Ratings Provided by FotMob
Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Oscar Ustari | 7.0 |
LB: Noah Allen | 6.8 |
CB: Maxi Falcón | 7.5 |
CB: Ian Fray | 7.4 |
RB: Marcelo Weigandt | 7.9 |
LM: Telasco Segovia | 8.0 |
CM: Sergio Busquets | 7.8 |
CM: Benjamin Cremaschi | 7.5 |
RM: Tadeo Allende | 6.6 |
ST: Luis Suárez | 7.6 |
ST: Lionel Messi | 8.5 |
SUB: Tomas Aviles (61' for Weigandt) | 6.2 |
SUB: Federico Redondo (71' for Segovia) | 6.5 |
SUB: Jordi Alba (79' for Allende) | 6.2 |
SUB: Fafa Picault (79' for Fray) | 6.2 |
Porto Player Ratings vs. Inter Miami (3-4-3)
Player Ratings Provided by FotMob
Player | Ratings (Out of 10) |
|---|---|
GK: Claudio Ramos | 6.1 |
CB: Ivan Marcano | 6.2 |
CB: Ze Pedro | 5.9 |
CB: Martim Fernandes | 6.4 |
LM: Francisco Moura | 6.4 |
CM: Fabio Vieira | 7.1 |
CM: Alan Varela | 6.4 |
RM: Joao Mario | 7.6 |
LW: Gabriel Veiga | 6.6 |
ST: Samuel Aghehowa | 7.3 |
RW: Rodrigo Mora | 6.8 |
SUB: Goncalo Borges (59' for Fernandes) | 6.3 |
SUB: Stephen Eustáquio (59' for Veiga) | 6.1 |
SUB: William Gomes (74' for Varela) | 6.2 |
SUB: Otavio (89' for Marcano) | N/A |
SUB: Deniz Gül (89' for Moura) | N/A |