Club World Cup: Messi turns the tables on Porto

After a draw against Al Ahly in their opening match, Inter Miami kicked off their Club World Cup campaign on Thursday night with a 2-1 victory over FC Porto. And, as so often, Lionel Messi made the difference.

Trailing as early as the 6th minute after a penalty converted by Samu Aghehowa, the Floridians struggled throughout the first half. Porto dominated, hit the post, and saw an attempt cleared off the line. But their lack of clinical finishing proved costly.

After the break, Inter Miami came back with renewed energy. Just two minutes into the second half, Segovia leveled the score with a brilliant team move. Then, in the 54th minute, Messi stepped up to punish the Portuguese side: a perfectly executed free-kick from twenty meters out, securing his 50th goal for Miami and putting his team ahead.

Porto kept pressing forward but couldn't find the breakthrough. In contrast, Inter Miami, more clinical and inspired by their captain's magic, secured three crucial points in a fiercely contested group.

Aliou Toundé |

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