Inter Miami vs Porto. Messi added to the drama at the Club World Cup as well, scoring a sublime bending free kick to give Miami a 2-1 lead against Porto. Miami came back in the second half after losing to a Porto goal in the first half by a much earlier score.

Porto struck first with a penalty just ten minutes in. But Telasco Segovia answered back shortly after halftime with a rocket of a goal to bring things level. Then, as the clock hit the hour mark, Messi stepped up and bent in a perfect free kick to seal the win for Miami.

FIFA is clearly betting on Messi to bring more eyes to the tournament, especially with hopes of growing its presence in the U.S. The win puts Inter Miami level with Palmeiras in Group A, both sitting on four points.

Up next in the group stage: Inter Miami faces Palmeiras, and Porto takes on Al Ahly — both matches are set for Monday, June 23.

Messi Does It Again With a Classic Free Kick

Watching Messi score a free kick never gets old, and this one came right when Miami needed it most.

He won the foul himself after colliding with Ze Pedro just outside the box. The ball was placed in a perfect spot, dead center near the top of the 18-yard box. Claudio Ramos in goal had no shot — Messi curled it with his left foot straight into the top corner.

But Messi wasn’t just about the goal. He was named Player of the Match and pretty much controlled everything on the field. Even with questions around his fitness and his 38th birthday around the corner, he looked locked in from the first whistle. Within minutes, he was darting down the right wing and sending in a cross for Luis Suarez, though the flag went up for offside.

Suarez didn’t have the best outing. He missed a few solid chances, many of which Messi set up beautifully. There was a moment when Messi controlled the ball out of the air, avoided past two defenders, and placed a perfect assist—only for Suarez to hesitate yet again.

But the intention was obvious. Give the ball to Messi. Miami leaned into it, even if it meant losing some structure. At one point, Fabio Vieira even nutmegged Messi, and the two shared a laugh.

But when you’ve got someone like Messi putting in goals like that, it’s hard to argue with the approach.

What Inter Miami’s Win Over Porto Means for the Club World Cup

Let’s be real — nobody expected Inter Miami to even be in this tournament.

They didn’t win the MLS Cup, and they weren’t exactly high in the regional rankings. But as the host nation’s rep, and after Miami grabbed the MLS Supporters’ Shield last fall, FIFA had its opening to bring a Messi-led team into the spotlight.

And now, they’re making the most of it.

That free kick was classic Messi — something fans have seen time and time again with Argentina, Barcelona, PSG, and now Inter Miami. But this one felt bigger. It happened on a global stage and completely changed the conversation.

Not many thought a five-year-old MLS team could beat a Champions League regular like Porto. But Messi, Suarez, and Busquets bring serious star power — and that gives Miami a real shot at something special.

Even with a thin roster, they’ve become the team everyone’s watching.

What Was the Crowd Like in Atlanta?

Mercedes-Benz Stadium is used to big turnouts. Atlanta United often packs in 40,000+, and last year’s Argentina vs. Canada match during Copa America saw over 70,000.

So why were there only 31,783 fans for Inter Miami vs Porto?

A few reasons. First off, it wasn’t a national team game. A Thursday afternoon kickoff isn’t ideal, either. Also, the Club World Cup is still somewhat a mystery to many an American fan and Atlanta isn’t home to a heavy Portuguese demographic.

But still, the dome buzzed. Many of the fans were there for Messi, for he was the focus of much of the crowd.

What Went Wrong for Porto?

Aside from Messi’s magic, Porto just didn’t show up the way they needed to — especially coming off a dull draw with Palmeiras. They needed a result here, but they looked flat.

One bright spot was Samu Aghehowa.

He cashed in the early penalty kick and, throughout the match, showed what he could do. At first, however, he seemed a bit off and turned over the ball a few times, but once he settled in, he became a problematic force on Miami’s defense.

Using his pace and strength, Aghehowa was effective whenever Porto went direct. Both Ian Fray and Maximiliano Falcon struggled to deal with him. There was one moment where he almost scored on a low backheel assist and it only stayed out of the goal because Falcon cleared it off the line.

Just before the half, he went end-to-end, outrunning defenders only to have his low shot saved. He had many more opportunities in the second half but it was clear his teammates weren’t looking for him enough.

But no wonder Chelsea wanted him when he played for Atletico.

What’s Next for Inter Miami?

Monday, June 23: Inter Miami vs Palmeiras — Club World Cup group stage (Miami)

What’s Next for Porto?

Monday, June 23: Porto vs Al Ahly — Club World Cup group stage (East Rutherford)