Inter Miami, one of the weakest teams in the tournament, pulled off an upset by defeating FC Porto.

On the 20th (Korea time), Inter Miami (United States) defeated Porto (Portugal) 2-1 in the second group match of Group A of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, marking their first win of the tournament.

After drawing 0-0 with Al Ahly (Egypt) in the first match, Miami secured 4 points with this victory, forming a tie for the lead in the group alongside Palmeiras from Brazil. In contrast, Porto remains in third place with 1 draw and 1 loss (1 point), facing pressure for tournament advancement.

The first goal belonged to Porto. In the 8th minute of the first half, Mario drew a foul from Allen in the box, and after a VAR review, Samu Aguero successfully converted the penalty kick.

Finishing the first half at 0-1, Miami quickly changed the momentum at the start of the second half. In the 2nd minute of the second half, Segovia scored the equalizer with a right-footed shot from a cross by Wegant. Seven minutes later, Messi directly reversed the situation, finishing a free kick earned in front of the box with a fantastic left-footed kick that pierced the top of the goal.

Porto, centered around substitutes Gomes and Borges, mounted a counterattack but lacked finishing. Aguero's header and shots all missed the target, and no equalizer was found during the additional 7 minutes.

According to Goal.com, after the match, Miami coach Javier Mascherano expressed his joy, saying, "We can compete with any team in the world." Goal.com characterized Miami's victory as "a historic win for Inter Miami, marking the first time an MLS club has defeated a European team in an official tournament."

Mascherano said, "Above all, I want to congratulate the players who participated in this match. Regardless of the result, I was truly proud to see them play courageously, both with the ball and without it," adding, "Today, we proved that we can compete with any team in the world."

In fact, this is the first time an MLS club has achieved victory against a European club in an official tournament. Thus, Inter Miami's win holds great historic significance not only for the club but for the entire MLS.

Coach Mascherano emphasized, "If we have a plan and stick together, playing without fear, we can definitely compete. The ability to overcome adversity during the match while maintaining the team's identity was truly impressive. Everyone dedicated themselves to the style of soccer we want to play."

He continued, "Today is a historic day for our club," adding, "Everyone should enjoy this moment in their own way. Everyone is playing their part to move this club forward. Today's victory means that we are still 'alive.' Now we have a real opportunity to advance from the group stage before the third match."

Messi's free-kick goal marked his sixth goal in the Club World Cup. He was named player of the match (POTM), and Miami made a significant record as the first team from North America to achieve a comeback victory on the Club World Cup stage.

Messi also set another record, becoming the first player in soccer history to reach 1,250 attacking points. He literally rewrote the history of world soccer.

With this goal, Messi recorded his 866th career goal and was in the midst of recording 384 assists, making him the first player to achieve 1,250 attacking points.

In this match, Messi recorded 1 goal, 2 chances created, 4 touches in the opponent's box, 2 successful dribbles, 7 passes in the attacking area, 1 successful tackle, and 1 block, showcasing his presence throughout the game.

Coach Mascherano stated, "Messi is the player who shows us how to compete. His desire and will to constantly perform at the highest level, regardless of the context, guide us all."

Messi also shared, "It’s an immense joy. We fought really well from the first half to the 1-1 tie. We didn’t just defend but managed the ball, playing the soccer we wanted to play. I had great regrets after the first match (against Al Ahly), so today's victory is very important. Now it's time to enjoy."

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