In a landmark moment for Major League Soccer, Inter Miami secured its first-ever victory at the FIFA Club World Cup by edging past European giants FC Porto 2-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on June 19, 2025. The thrilling comeback was capped by a stunning free-kick from Lionel Messi, who was named Man of the Match for his masterful display.
The match began with an early setback for Inter Miami as Porto took the lead in the eighth minute. After a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review confirmed a foul by Inter Miami defender Noah Allen on Porto’s João Mário inside the penalty box, Samu Omorodion stepped up to convert the penalty, giving Porto a 1-0 advantage. The decision was met with frustration from Inter Miami’s bench and coach Javier Mascherano, who expressed displeasure over the timing of the VAR intervention.
Despite trailing, Inter Miami showed resilience throughout the first half. The Herons enjoyed possession and created several chances, with Messi orchestrating attacks and providing incisive passes, although the finishing touch was lacking. Porto goalkeeper Claudio Ramos was in fine form, making crucial saves including a highlight stop against Benjamin Cremaschi in the 35th minute and denying Luis Suárez’s attempt in the 19th minute. Defensively, Inter Miami’s Maximiliano Falcón made a vital goal-line clearance to thwart Rodrigo Mora’s close-range effort, while a shot by Porto’s Alan Varela rattled the post just before halftime.
The second half saw a rejuvenated Inter Miami come out with purpose. Just two minutes after the break, Venezuelan forward Telasco Segovia leveled the score with a spectacular first-time finish from a low cross delivered by Marcelo Weigandt. The 22-year-old’s goal injected new life into the team and the stadium buzzed with anticipation.
Only seven minutes later, the spotlight turned to the Argentine maestro. Messi, who had been a constant threat throughout the match, was fouled just outside the penalty area by Rodrigo Mora. Taking the free kick with his trademark precision, Messi curled a magnificent left-footed shot over the Porto wall and into the top right corner of the net, sending the crowd into raptures and putting Inter Miami ahead 2-1. This goal marked Messi’s 50th for Inter Miami since joining the club in July 2023 and his fifth free-kick goal with the team.
Coach Javier Mascherano, who played alongside Messi at Barcelona, praised his captain’s leadership and relentless competitive spirit. “His hunger, his resilience, his will to go on competing, at whatever level that may be, that's something that guides us and directs us in the direction to follow,” Mascherano said. “In football terms, what else can you add? He’s the best player to have ever played this sport.”
Following the go-ahead goal, Inter Miami adopted a more defensive posture, focusing on protecting their slender lead. The team retreated into a compact 4-4-2 formation, throwing bodies in front of passing lanes and blocking shot attempts. Porto pushed forward aggressively, seeking an equalizer, but Inter Miami’s defense held firm. Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari made several key saves, including a critical catch amid a scramble in the box during stoppage time.
Several substitutions shaped the closing stages of the match. Inter Miami brought on Jordi Alba and Fafa Picault for injured defenders Ian Fray and Tadeo Allende in the 79th minute. Alba, returning from a hamstring injury, added experience and stability to the backline. For Porto, Stephen Eustáquio and Gonçalo Borges entered the fray in the 59th and 87th minutes, respectively, as the Portuguese side adjusted their tactics to chase the game.
Porto’s Samu Omorodion had a late chance to level the match with a volley in the 90th minute but sent the ball over the crossbar. Meanwhile, Picault nearly sealed the victory for Inter Miami in stoppage time, but his effort was brilliantly saved by Claudio Ramos.
This victory was historic not only for Inter Miami but for Major League Soccer as a whole. It marked the first time an MLS team defeated a European club in a FIFA competition, signaling a significant step forward for the league on the global stage. With four points from two matches, Inter Miami now controls its destiny in Group A of the Club World Cup.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami will return to South Florida to face Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23, 2025. The winner of that match will secure a spot in the Round of 16 and top spot in the group. Palmeiras currently holds a slight advantage after a 2-0 victory over Egypt’s Al Ahly earlier in the day. Porto, meanwhile, will face Al Ahly at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, needing a win to keep their knockout hopes alive.
Despite the win, Inter Miami must manage several injury concerns. Defender Chelo Weigandt, who provided the assist for Segovia’s equalizer, left the match with a lower back/hip injury, while Ian Fray’s injury forced Alba’s early return. Midfielder Yannick Bright has missed both Club World Cup matches due to a hamstring issue. Messi himself was seen receiving treatment on his right quadriceps after his goal, a recurring issue that has troubled him late in his career.
Inter Miami’s performance under Mascherano’s guidance has been impressive. The Argentine coach, who replaced Tata Martino last December, encouraged his squad to play brave, selfless football, and his message clearly resonated. “We were working really, really hard against a team that have a lot of quality and a high level, but today, we showed to the world and to ourselves that we can compete against any team,” Mascherano remarked.
Messi echoed this sentiment post-match, emphasizing the team’s collective effort and the significance of the win. “The whole team put in a lot of effort and worked very well. It’s a very important victory for us and one to enjoy,” he said. “Now, it’s Palmeiras’ turn, who is one of the world’s best. And it’s going to be another very difficult game.”
As the Club World Cup progresses, Inter Miami’s historic win over Porto will be remembered as a defining moment for the club and MLS. The Herons have demonstrated they can stand toe-to-toe with some of the finest clubs in the world, fueled by the brilliance of Messi and the collective spirit of the squad. The upcoming clash with Palmeiras promises to be a thrilling encounter that will determine the fate of both teams in this prestigious tournament.
