Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the expanded Club World Cup on Thursday with a patented free kick, giving Inter Miami a historic 2-1 win over two-time European champion FC Porto on Thursday.
Messi, one of the biggest stars in the 32-team tournament, was taken down just outside the penalty area by Rodrigo Mora on a run down the middle of the field.
With the crowd at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium chanting his name, Messi’s left-footed blast cleared the Porto wall and ripped the net in the top right corner in the 54th minute.
After a disappointing goalless draw against Egyptian team Al Ahly to open the tournament Saturday, the win puts Miami in a prime position to reach the knockout rounds.
“It was a great effort from the whole team,” Messi told DAZN. “Not only did we defend, but we managed the ball well. We had a sour taste after the game against Al Ahly. This is a very important victory, and we’ll enjoy it.
“It is being seen that we want to compete; we competed against a good team, and here and there we gave away the first half. The young guys had nerves playing in this competition for the first time.”
Inter Miami trailed 1-0 at the break after Samu Aghehowa scored on a penalty kick in the opening minutes after a video review for the Portuguese club’s first goal of the tournament.
But Telasco Segovia tied it two minutes into the second half off a cross into the box from Marcelo Weigandt. Then, it was time for the 37-year-old Argentine to shine.
Miami became the first Concacaf team to beat a European opponent in a FIFA international club competition. It was also Messi’s 50th Miami goal in all competitions, in his 61st appearance.
“[Messi] is the player that leads us in the ways we have to compete,” Miami head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters. “His hunger, his resilience, his will to go on competing, at whatever level that may be.
“In football terms, what else can I add? He’s the best player ever to play this sport. But his determination to win is always surprising.
“Today, he was tired and hurt in the last few minutes, but continued to help the team get the result. Having him gives us an advantage.”
Messi’s teammates were equally wowed by the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“Messi doesn’t stop surprising us,” midfielder Federico Redondo said. “He’s incredible. He’s the best player in the history and keeps showing it day by day.”
Added defender Marcelo Weigandt: “Extraordinary. When I saw the ball take off with such power I said, ‘No, that’s it.’ We’re already used to this kind of thing. … Knowing him has shown me what a great person he is, and that only makes him greater and more extraordinary.”
The win moves Miami to four points, level with Palmeiras at the top of Group A, ahead of those two teams facing off in the final round of group matches Monday. Porto and Al Ahly trail on one point apiece.
A draw will guarantee Miami a place in the round of 16.
“It’s a historic day for our club,” Mascherano said. “Everyone should enjoy it in their own way; Everyone is doing their part to help the club continue to move forward. It means we’re still alive; we’re playing our third game with a chance of qualifying.”
Information from The Associated Press and ESPN’s Lizzy Becherano was used in this report.