Lionel Messi (38, Inter Miami) led the team to victory.

Inter Miami (U.S.) faced Porto (Portugal) on the 20th (Korea time) at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, in the second match of Group A of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and won 2-1, marking their first victory in the tournament.

After drawing 0-0 against Al Ahly (Egypt) in the first match, Miami secured 4 points from this victory, jointly leading the group with Brazil's Palmeiras. On the other hand, Porto remained in third place with 1 draw and 1 loss (1 point), facing pressure to advance to the tournament.

The match began with Porto's pace. In the 8th minute of the first half, Porto's Mario was tripped by Miami defender Noah Allen, and after a video review (VAR), a penalty kick was awarded. The kicker, Samu Agejo, calmly shook the net, giving Porto a 1-0 lead.

Miami, which was being led, started to counterattack from the middle of the first half. Luis Suarez and Cremasci took turns attempting shots, but they were thwarted by a series of saves from Porto goalkeeper Harms, bringing their heads down. The first half ended with Porto leading by one goal.

In the second half, Miami's tactics came to life. In the 2nd minute of the second half, Wegant broke through the right flank, and Télasco Segovia connected with a powerful right-footed shot for the equalizer. This was Miami's first goal of the tournament and a turning point in the momentum.

Then, seven minutes later, Messi finally decided the match. Following a free-kick opportunity obtained at the front of the penalty box, Messi curled the ball beautifully with his left foot into the upper right corner of the goal. It was a fantastic trajectory. This marked his sixth Club World Cup goal, showcasing his presence on the global stage once again since his time at Barcelona.

This victory further highlighted Miami's symbolism, known as the "Barcelona Alumni Association." Including manager Javier Mascherano, Messi, Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Alba, and other key players who led the glory days of FC Barcelona all participated, and the game tactics were deeply infused with Spain's passing game.

In the attack line, Messi and Suarez formed a two-top, while in midfield, Segovia, Cremasci, and Ayende showed organic movements alongside Busquets. The defense was centered by Falcon and Frey, and goalkeeper Ustari successfully blocked Porto's late surge with stable finishes.

After scoring the opening goal in the first half, Porto brought on substitutes in the second half in hopes of turning the tide, but they had to kneel before Messi's magic. They aimed for the equalizer with headers from Agejo and crosses from Borges, but their shooting accuracy left much to be desired.

With this match, Inter Miami became the first team from North and Central America to achieve a 'come-from-behind victory after conceding the opening goal' in the history of the Club World Cup. Additionally, Miami secured its first victory against a European club in an international tournament, once again proving the potential of American soccer.

Messi was selected as the Player of the Match (POTM) and is now closely chasing Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 7 goals, with a total of 6 goals in the Club World Cup. Inter Miami became the second club to leave its name on the Club World Cup stage after Barcelona.

Currently, Group A is led by Palmeiras and Miami, both with 4 points, while Porto and Al Ahly are trailing with 1 point each.

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