Messi’s stunning free-kick seals Inter Miami victory in Club World Cup

Lionel Messi delivered yet another moment of magic as his brilliant free-kick secured a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami over Portugal’s FC Porto in their second group-stage match of the FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday night.

After a frustrating goalless draw in their opening match against Egyptian giants Al Ahly — where Messi twice struck the crossbar — the Argentine icon bounced back in spectacular fashion to lead his team to their first win of the tournament.

Inter Miami faced early pressure as Porto took a 1-0 lead in the first half. However, Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia brought the MLS side level with a crucial equalizer early in the second half, setting the stage for Messi’s decisive moment.

In the closing stages of the match, Messi was fouled just outside the penalty area. Stepping up to take the free-kick himself, the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner curled a perfectly placed shot past the wall and into the top corner — a strike that left the Porto goalkeeper rooted to the spot.

“The goalkeeper was in the middle, and I knew it would be difficult to shoot from so close,” Messi said after the match. “So I aimed for the open side of the post. Luckily, it was just right.”

The win significantly boosts Inter Miami’s chances of progressing to the knockout stage of the Club World Cup, as they now sit in a strong position in their group with one match remaining.

Messi’s performance once again underlined his enduring brilliance on the world stage and his vital role in Inter Miami’s pursuit of international success.