On June 19, 2025, at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Lionel Messi once again showed why he’s considered one of the greatest footballers ever. The Argentine legend guided Inter Miami to a remarkable 2-1 win over FC Porto, creating a truly historic moment in the world of football.
For the first time ever, a Major League Soccer (MLS) team defeated a European club in an official FIFA Club World Cup match. It also marked the first win by any North American (CONCACAF) club over a European side in this tournament.
Match Summary: Inter Miami 2-1 FC Porto
First Half
FC Porto scored first in the 8th minute. They were given a penalty after Inter Miami’s Noah Allen committed a foul. Samu Aghehowa calmly stepped up and slotted the penalty into the net. Inter Miami looked shaky early on, but they gradually settled into the match and pushed for an equalizer.
Second Half
Two minutes into the second half, Telasco Segovia scored with a sharp finish, equalizing for Miami at 1-1. Then, in the 54th minute, Lionel Messi took center stage. The Argentine icon delivered a brilliant free-kick, curling the ball into the top corner, a trademark goal that only he could produce.
Messi’s Milestone Goal
Messi’s free-kick wasn’t just beautiful; it was historic. It was Inter Miami’s 50th goal since he joined the club and once again proved that even at 37 years old, he’s still capable of producing world-class moments. The goal came at an important moment and gave Miami full control of the game. It reminded fans and critics alike that Messi’s influence goes far beyond just goals, he lifts the entire team with his presence and leadership.
After the match, Messi said
“It’s a great feeling, the whole team gave everything and worked really well,” Messi stated. “This is a very important win for us, and we should enjoy it. We showed that we’re here to compete, and today we did that against a strong European side. We knew we weren’t the favorites, but we focused on our strengths and made them count.”
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Why This Win Matters
- This marked the first time an MLS team had ever won a match in the FIFA Club World Cup.
- It gave Inter Miami a strong chance to reach the knockout stage of the tournament.
- The win also silenced critics who felt Inter Miami didn’t earn their place in the tournament as a host wild card.
Coach Javier Mascherano, who also played with Messi for Argentina, praised his players: “Today, we proved that we can compete with any team in the world.”
What’s Next?
Inter Miami will now face Palmeiras, the Brazilian champions, on June 24. Both teams are currently tied at the top of Group A with 4 points, so this final group game will decide who moves into the quarterfinals.
In Simple Words
- Messi played a key role in Inter Miami’s win over top European side FC Porto. ● This was a big moment in MLS and American football history.
- Messi scored a brilliant free kick and once again proved to be the game-changer.
- The victory gave Inter Miami a strong opportunity to move ahead in the Club World Cup.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi continues to make history wherever he goes. This time, he helped Inter Miami achieve something no MLS club had done before, beating a strong European side in a global tournament. It’s another special chapter in his legendary career and a proud moment for football in the United States. All eyes will now be on Messi and Inter Miami as they look to continue this dream run against Palmeiras.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
