Lionel Messi scored a stunning free kick to help Inter Miami come from behind and beat Portuguese side FC Porto 2-1 in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup.
Playing at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Inter Miami fell behind early after Porto’s Samu Omorodion converted a penalty kick in the opening minutes, following a VAR review.
But the second half brought a turnaround. Just two minutes after the break, Telasco Segovia tied the match for Miami by finishing off a cross from Marcelo Weigandt.
Then, in the 54th minute, the moment fans were waiting for arrived. Messi was fouled just outside the box by Rodrigo Mora. With the crowd chanting his name, the 37-year-old Argentine curled a perfect free kick over the wall and into the top corner, giving Miami the lead.
The goal sealed a crucial win for Inter Miami, who now return home to face Brazil’s Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium. A win there would send them through to the Round of 16.
Porto, still chasing a victory in Group A, will take on Egypt’s Al Ahly in their final group match at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
