Lionel Messi scored his 50th goal for Inter Miami in just his 61st appearance, helping his team come from behind to beat FC Porto 2-1 in their FIFA Club World Cup Group A match. It was Miami’s first-ever win in the competition.
Both teams had drawn their opening games 0-0, but this match started differently. After only eight minutes, Porto were awarded a controversial penalty. Following a VAR check, Noah Allen was judged to have fouled João Mário, and Samu Aghehowa scored from the spot, even though Óscar Ustari got a hand to it.
The goal came despite Miami’s early pressure. Messi showed his class with some dangerous runs and linked up well with Luis Suárez, but Cláudio Ramos saved Suárez’s shot. Ramos also denied Benjamin Cremaschi, while Miami were lucky not to give away another penalty after Sergio Busquets appeared to pull back Rodrigo Mora. Ustari kept Porto from doubling their lead with a smart save after Alan Varela’s shot hit the post.
Miami equalised just two minutes into the second half, thanks to a great team move finished by Telasco Segovia, who smashed in Marcelo Weigandt’s cross.
Only seven minutes later, Messi struck again, this time with a free-kick, his first shot of the game. The ball flew past Ramos and sent the crowd wild at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Porto came close to equalising late on, with Gonçalo Borges setting up William Gomes, but he couldn’t beat Ustari. Samu also missed a good chance with a header.
Miami held on comfortably in the final minutes, stretching their unbeaten run to five matches. They now sit second in Group A behind Palmeiras. As for Martín Anselmi’s Porto, they remain winless after two games and will face Al Ahly in their final group match next Tuesday.
