ATLANTA, Jun 20 (Alliance Sports): Lionel Messi’s brilliance from a set-piece proved decisive once again, as his 54th-minute free-kick secured Inter Miami a 2-1 victory over FC Porto in a pulsating Group A encounter of the FIFA Club World Cup.
Porto had taken an early lead in the 8th minute when Samu Aghehowa converted a penalty following a VAR-confirmed foul by Noah Allen on Joao Mario. Though Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari managed to get a hand to the shot, the power of Aghehowa’s strike carried it over the line.
Inter Miami responded with renewed energy after the break. Just 90 seconds into the second half, Marcelo Weigandt’s precision cross found Telasco Segovia, who slotted the ball past Porto keeper Claudio Ramos to level the score.
The match-winner arrived in the 54th minute after Porto’s Rodrigo Mora committed a foul just outside the box.
Messi stepped up and curled the ball into the top right corner, marking his 68th career free-kick goal and giving Miami a crucial lead.
Porto dominated in total shots, recording 14 to Miami’s six, but were far less clinical, managing only three on target. Miami, meanwhile, landed five of their six efforts on goal.
Despite the pressure, Inter Miami’s defense held firm, and Ustari, who had starred in the previous goalless draw against Al Ahly with eight saves, needed only one save in this match. Ramos finished with three saves for Porto.
The win places Inter Miami in a strong position in Group A, following a draw in their opening fixture, while Porto will now face mounting pressure heading into their final group-stage match.
