Inter Miami beat Porto 2-1 on Matchday 2 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, in a crucial match in Group A. Lionel Messi delivered the second goal with a stunning free kick early in the second half.
Things didn’t start well for the Herons, who were already trailing 1-0 just eight minutes into the match after a goal from Samu via the penalty spot. The foul was committed by Noah Allen, confirmed by VAR and validated by referee Cristian Marcelo Garay Reyes.
That early goal was a tough blow for Javier Mascherano’s team, who were dominated by Porto in the following minutes and came close to falling even further behind. Rodrigo Mora had a clear chance with a shot that Maximiliano Falcon cleared off the line, and shortly after, Alan Varela struck the post.
Before halftime, Inter Miami managed a few attacking moves, mainly thanks to Messi’s quality touches, but his teammates lacked precision in key moments. Luis Suarez and Benjamin Cremaschi had the best opportunities, but couldn’t beat goalkeeper Claudio Ramos.
Segovia and Messi rescue Inter Miami
After a tough first half, everything changed for Inter Miami after the break. Just two minutes into the second half, Telasco Segovia received a cross from the right by Marcelo Weigandt and fired a powerful shot into the net, giving the opposing goalkeeper no chance.
That goal lifted the Herons, who took control of the game in the following minutes. Messi had an initial chance with a long-range free kick that went just wide. Then, in the 8th minute, after a foul at the edge of the box on Tadeo Allende, Leo got his redemption: with a beautiful strike, he put Inter Miami ahead.
What’s next for Inter Miami?
The 2-1 win over Porto put Inter Miami in a much more favorable position in Group A of the Club World Cup. They now sit alongside Palmeiras at the top of the standings with 4 points, and the two sides are set to face each other next Monday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
see also
Lionel Messi gives Inter Miami a crucial 2-1 win against Porto at FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Highlights and goals
The Herons know that a win or a draw will secure their place in the next round—but they could even advance with a loss. That’s because they hold a 3-point advantage over both Porto and Al Ahly, meaning that, at worst, they could end up tied with one of them. In that case, the tiebreaker would be the head-to-head result, followed by goal differential and then goals scored.
SurveyWill Inter Miami advance to the Round of 16?
Will Inter Miami advance to the Round of 16?
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