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STILL GOT IT. Inter Miami CF's Lionel Messi celebrates scoring their second goal against Porto in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Dale Zanine/IMAGN IMAGES/Reuters
Lionel Messi scores on a free kick in the second half as Inter Miami becomes the first CONCACAF team to beat a European side in an official FIFA tournament
Lionel Messi’s stunning free kick secured Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Porto in their FIFA Club World Cup Group A clash on Thursday, June 19 (Monday, June 20, Manila time), marking the first time a CONCACAF team has defeated a European side in an official FIFA tournament.
The Argentine great was pivotal as the Major League Soccer side bounced back from its disappointing goalless draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly in their opening match.
Inter Miami’s win over Porto boosts its chances of a deep run in a tournament designed to pit champion clubs from across the globe against one another. The competition is taking place in 12 stadiums across the United States.
After FIFA controversially granted Javier Mascherano’s side a backdoor entry, Messi became front and center in the revamped competition, drawing crowds while continuing to elevate the sport in a country long lukewarm toward the world’s game.
The result also offers a glimpse at how North and South American sides stack up against traditionally dominant European sides.
“It’s a great joy. A lot of effort went into it, and we worked very well. I’m very happy. We were left with a bitter taste after the first match. We thought we could have won it,” said Messi.
“(In the free kick) I took advantage of the space left by the goalkeeper, who was standing still and not covering his post. I tried to score there.”
“The other day (there were) nerves from a lot of young guys playing in such a significant competition. We’ve changed. We’re going to compete, try to play our game. Today we were the inferior team, but we have our weapons.”
Up next for Inter Miami is Brazilian club Palmeiras.
“It’s going to be another very difficult game,” said Messi. – Rappler.com
