Inter Miami Stuns Porto in Historic Club World Cup Victory
ATLANTA, June 19, 2025 – In a thrilling encounter that may be remembered as one of the most iconic matches in Inter Miami’s young history, Lionel Messi and his squad pulled off a spectacular 2-1 comeback victory against Portuguese giants FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage. The match, held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, marked a watershed moment for North American football, as Inter Miami became the first MLS team to defeat a top-tier European side in a competitive FIFA tournament.
A Night of Firsts and Fireworks
From the first whistle, Porto came out with a clear intent to dominate possession and force early mistakes. Their efforts paid off just eight minutes into the match when João Mário drew a foul inside the box. After a quick VAR review confirmed the contact, Nigerian striker Samu Aghehowa coolly converted the penalty, giving Porto a 1-0 lead and sending their supporters into raptures.
Inter Miami looked rattled in the opening stages, struggling to find their rhythm under Porto’s intense pressing. The European side nearly doubled their advantage in the 30th minute when midfielder Alan Varela unleashed a thunderous strike from distance that ricocheted off the post and nearly deflected in off Miami keeper Óscar Ustari.
Segovia Sparks the Comeback
But it was a game of two halves.
Miami returned from the locker room transformed. Just two minutes into the second half, Venezuelan international Telasco Segovia capitalized on a perfectly timed cross from right-back Marcelo Weigandt, slotting in a composed first-time finish. The goal sent the home crowd into frenzy and visibly shifted momentum in favor of the MLS side.
“Segovia’s goal changed everything,” said Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano in the post-match interview. “It reminded our players that we belonged on this stage.”
Messi’s Moment of Magic
Then came the moment that stole the headlines.
In the 54th minute, Inter Miami earned a free kick just outside Porto’s penalty area. Up stepped the man for the moment—Lionel Messi. The 37-year-old, already a World Cup winner and footballing legend, curled a sublime left-footed shot over the wall and into the top-right corner, leaving Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa rooted to the spot.
It was Messi’s 50th goal for Inter Miami, and his first-ever goal in the FIFA Club World Cup, adding yet another historic milestone to his glittering career.
“I just saw the gap and trusted my foot,” Messi said. “It’s one of those moments that reminds you why you play football.”
Tactical Battle and Defensive Grit
Following Messi’s goal, Inter Miami adopted a more compact, defensive shape, switching to a 4-4-2 formation to absorb Porto’s renewed pressure. Mascherano’s tactical adjustments paid off, as the backline, led by Nicolás Freire and Sergii Kryvtsov, stood tall against a flurry of late attacks from Porto’s attacking trio.
Ustari made several crucial stops in the dying minutes, including a reflex save on a powerful header from Ivan Jaime, preserving Miami’s hard-earned lead.
A Victory for the Americas
This win is not just a triumph for Inter Miami—it’s a victory for CONCACAF football. It places Inter Miami at the top of Group A alongside Palmeiras, with both clubs sitting on four points. For Porto, who now find themselves with just a single point after two games, qualification hopes hang by a thread.
Miami’s next match against Palmeiras on June 23 will decide the group leader, while Porto must beat Al Ahly and hope for a favorable result elsewhere.
Fan Reaction and Global Buzz
The victory has ignited global attention, with fans and analysts praising Messi’s leadership, Segovia’s breakout performance, and Mascherano’s masterclass in tactics. Social media was flooded with reactions, with “Inter Miami,” “Messi Free Kick,” and “Segovia” trending within minutes.
Final Thoughts
Inter Miami’s win over Porto will go down as a defining chapter in the club’s short but ambitious journey. For a side founded just a few years ago and once dismissed as a marketing gimmick, they have now proven themselves as genuine contenders on the global stage. Backed by a blend of South American flair, MLS grit, and of course, the magic of Lionel Messi, Inter Miami have arrived—and the football world is taking notice.
As the Club World Cup heats up, all eyes will be on Miami’s showdown with Palmeiras. But no matter what happens next, this victory against Porto has already become a symbol of how far the club—and American soccer—has come.