Lionel Messi’s free kick seals Inter Miami’s historic 2‑1 victory over Porto in FIFA Club World Cup, PSG stunned by Botafogo, Atlético rebounds against Seattle.
View Lines:
- Lionel Messi’s free kick earns Inter Miami a 2‑1 victory over Porto
- Inter Miami qualifies for the Club World Cup knockout stage
- Samuel Aghahowa opens scoring for Porto with a penalty
- Marcelo Weigandt and Telasco Segovia combine for Miami’s equalizer
- Messi’s free kick is his 68th career free kick goal
- PSG suffers shock Group B defeat to Botafogo
- Inter Miami becomes the first CONCACAF club to beat a European champion
Messi’s Moment of Brilliance
Lionel Messi continues to produce magical moments, with a stunning free kick in the 54th minute that propelled Inter Miami to a historic 2‑1 victory over FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup. This postseason triumph marks a milestone for the MLS franchise as the first CONCACAF club to defeat a major European champion in tournament play.
Porto Takes Early Lead
Porto struck first in the 8th minute after a VAR review confirmed a foul by Miami’s Noel El on João Mário. The referee awarded a penalty, and Samuel Aghahowa calmly converted, beating goalkeeper Óscar Ustari despite a late reach. That penalty gave Porto an early advantage and momentum.
Quick Response From Miami
The equalizer came swiftly early in the second half. At the 47th minute, Marcelo Weigandt delivered a precise cross from the right wing. In the box, Telasco Segovia met the ball with a strong header, slipping past Porto’s keeper Claudio Ramos to level the game. Within 90 seconds, Inter Miami erased the deficit, demonstrating resilience and quality.
Free Kick Victory
The game‑defining moment arrived when Rodrigo Mora fouled Messi outside the penalty area, awarding Inter Miami a free kick. Thousands of fans at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium erupted, chanting, “Messi! Messi!” The Argentine star placed the ball near the center line, measured the shot, and unleashed a lethal left‑footed free kick that sailed over the wall and into the top right corner. That strike marked Messi’s 68th career free kick goal, keeping alive his legacy and advancing Miami to the knockout stage.
Historic Significance
- Inter Miami becomes the first CONCACAF club to defeat a European team in Club World Cup history
- Messi’s 68th free kick goal reinforces his status among all‑time free kick masters
- The victory sends a message that MLS clubs can compete on a world stage
Group B Upset: PSG Loses to Botafogo
In a shocking upset, Paris Saint‑Germain fell 1‑0 to Brazilian Botafogo in Group B at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. PSG had the higher possession but could not find a way around Botafogo’s lockdown defense. In the 36th minute, following a turnover near midfield, Igor Jesus picked the ball, advanced into the box, and finished practically past Gianluigi Donnarumma. In the final minutes, a PSG goal was ruled offside, giving Botafogo a shocking Group B match win.
Atlético Madrid Bounces Back
Also in Group B, Atlético Madrid recovered from an opening loss, defeating the Seattle Sounders 3‑1:
- Pablo Berrios scored twice: first in the 11th minute and again in the 55th, highlighting Atlético’s attacking threat
- Albert Rusnak pulled one back for Seattle before halftime, but Atlético restored control with Berrios’s second
- Despite Seattle’s resilience, Atlético’s quality shone through
Palmeiras Triumphs in Group A
Palmeiras secured a 2‑1 win over Egypt’s Al Ahly in Group A. The scoring sequence:
- First goal came from Al Ahly’s Wassim Abu Ali, who turned the ball into his own net in the 49th minute
- José López sealed it in the 60th minute with a brilliant left‑footed strike
- Palmeiras held firm despite a brief weather delay
Inter Miami Tops Group
Inter Miami’s victory brings them to four points, tied with Palmeiras at the top of Group A. Porto and Al Ahly trail with just one point each. A draw in Miami vs Palmeiras would be enough for both to advance; Porto and Al Ahly face a must‑win scenario in their rematch.
Lionel Messi’s free kick not only secured the win but confirmed Inter Miami’s spot in the Round of 16 as group leaders if they avoid defeat against Palmeiras.
Effects of Messi’s Free Kick
Embed from Getty Images- Added to Messi’s free kick count and embellished a trophy profile
- Strengthens the confidence of Inter Miami and the image of MLS
- Engages U.S. fans and connects global soccer fans
And Messi’s impact doesn’t stop at goal-count, as Coach Javier Mascherano pointed out the role of Messi as a leader:
“He is the player who leads us to compete at another level… His hunger and drive don’t wane, regardless of the time.”
Midfielder Federico Redondo spoke on how nice it was to see Messi and referred to him as “amazing,” and defender Marcelo Weigandt described the free kick as “incredible.”
Messi’s Legacy and Statistics
At the age of 37, Messi still makes a case for what it means to be great.
- He has already scored his 50th goal in only 61 games with Inter Miami, and is already the club’s all-time top scorer
- He has now made six appearances in Club World Cups, and is now equal-second all time in scoring in the tournament
- Messi has achieved over 750 career goals across all clubs and competitions
Even with his contemporaries like successor Cristiano Ronaldo and Sergio Busquets still competing, Messi’s free kicks have still delighted the people. José Fonte, former Portugal defender, described one of Messi’s strikes as “touched by God.” Shay Given, ex‑Newcastle goalie, called it “like watching a maestro live.”
MLS Rising Internationally
Inter Miami’s performance marks a turning point for MLS clubs. Mascherano highlighted how the win proves the league can compete globally. This tournament edition features three MLS teams: Seattle, Miami, and LAFC. Miami’s success inspires fans and sets a new standard.
Looking Ahead
- Inter Miami returns to South Florida to face Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium. A draw secures progression for both
- PSV and Al Ahly face elimination unless a dramatic turnaround occurs
- Messi prepares to celebrate his 38th birthday while leading his team deeper into the tournament
Lionel Messi’s sublime free kick delivers Inter Miami a historic 2‑1 win over Porto, securing progression in the Club World Cup. PSG loses to Botafogo, Atlético rebounds, and Palmeiras advances. Messi continues to shine globally.