- Lionel Messi scored a brilliant free-kick as Inter Miami completed a comeback win.
- Porto took the lead through a Samu Aghahowa penalty but failed to hold on.
- Inter Miami now lead Group A with 4 points ahead of their final game vs Palmeiras.
Key Takeaways:
Inter Miami defeated Porto 2:1 in their second match of Group A at the FIFA Club World Cup. Lionel Messi and company fell behind early after a penalty goal from Samu Aghahowa, but responded strongly in the second half with goals from Telasco Segovia and a spectacular free-kick from Messi.
With the win, Inter Miami top the group with 4 points, while Porto remain on just 1. Next, Inter will face Palmeiras while Porto must take on Al Ahly.
Messi clinches an important three points for Inter Miami at the Club World Cup 🫡 pic.twitter.com/rMv7hz7obD
— LiveScore (@livescore) June 19, 2025
The match started energetically, with Messi dribbling past several defenders in the second minute to set up Luis Suarez, but the Uruguayan striker failed to connect cleanly, and his shot lacked power. In the sixth minute, Porto were awarded a penalty after Varela was fouled inside Inter’s box. The referee initially waved play on, but after a VAR review, the decision was reversed. Samu Aghahowa stepped up and converted the penalty, despite Inter goalkeeper Oscar Ustari getting a touch on the ball.
Porto looked composed after the goal, while Inter Miami took control of possession and created several chances before halftime. Suarez and Cremaschi missed clear opportunities. Just before the break, Alan Varela nearly doubled Porto’s lead, but his shot struck the post.
Inter Miami equalised at the start of the second half. Telasco Segovia latched onto a precise cross from Weigandt and smashed the ball into the net from close range – 1:1. In the 54th minute, Messi gave Inter the lead with a stunning free-kick that curled into the top corner. Porto had no response as their second-half performance lacked direction, and they were outplayed by the MLS side.
In the closing stages, Inter slowed the pace and disrupted the rhythm of the game. Several substitutions followed, including the introduction of Jordi Alba. Porto had one last chance after a cross from Moura, but Samu’s header missed the target.