Lionel Messi once again delivered a moment of magic, but his brilliance could not completely cover up Inter Miami’s ongoing challenges at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. On June 19, at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Messi’s stunning free-kick helped Inter Miami come from behind to beat Portuguese giants FC Porto 2-1. The victory was historic for both Messi and his Major League Soccer (MLS) club, but the match also exposed the team’s weaknesses and the work that still lies ahead for the American side.
A Magical Comeback Led by Messi
Inter Miami’s match against Porto started with trouble. Porto took an early lead in the eighth minute after Samu Aghehowa converted a penalty, the result of a foul by Miami’s Noah Allen. The first half was tough for Miami, with Porto controlling the game and even coming close to doubling their lead, only to be denied by a goal-line clearance and the woodwork.
But just after halftime, Inter Miami found new energy. Telasco Segovia equalized with a powerful finish from a Marcelo Weigandt cross in the 47th minute. Then, in the 54th minute, Messi did what he does best: he curled a beautiful free-kick into the top corner, giving Miami the lead and sending the crowd of over 31,000 fans into a frenzy.
The Messi Effect: More Than Just Goals
Messi’s presence at the Club World Cup has brought global attention to both Inter Miami and the tournament itself. His ability to change a game in an instant is unmatched, and his winning mentality, even at age 37, continues to inspire teammates and fans alike.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised Messi’s relentless drive, saying, “He’s a player who exemplifies how to compete, his hunger and his eagerness to keep playing at any level”.
The win was also a big moment for MLS, marking the first time an American club has beaten a top European side in a competitive FIFA tournament. For FIFA, Messi’s involvement is a dream come true, helping to raise the profile of the Club World Cup in the United States and around the world.
Inter Miami’s Struggles Still Show
Despite the excitement, the match revealed several issues for Inter Miami:
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Slow Start and Defensive Gaps: Miami fell behind early and looked shaky in defense, especially in the first half. Porto’s attack exposed weaknesses, and the penalty was a result of poor positioning and decision-making at the back.
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Reliance on Messi: While Messi’s brilliance won the game, Miami’s attack often looked one-dimensional, relying heavily on their star to create and finish chances. Other key players, like Luis Suárez, struggled to make an impact, with missed opportunities highlighting the team’s lack of depth in attack.
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Physical and Tactical Challenges: Porto controlled much of the first half, using their experience and tactical discipline to frustrate Miami. The American side’s older squad was at times outpaced and outmaneuvered by the Portuguese team.
What Fans Are Asking
Online searches and social media buzz show that fans are curious about:
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How far can Inter Miami go if they continue to rely so much on Messi?
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Can the team fix their defensive issues before facing even tougher opponents like Palmeiras?
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What does this win mean for MLS and American soccer’s reputation on the world stage?
Looking Ahead: Can Miami Build on This?
With this win, Inter Miami now sits level on points with Palmeiras at the top of their group, while Porto and Al Ahly have just one point each. The next match against Palmeiras will be crucial—Miami will need to show they can compete as a team, not just rely on individual brilliance.
Coach Mascherano remains optimistic, emphasizing teamwork and belief.
“We demonstrated to the world and to ourselves that we can contend with any opponent,” he said after the match. But he and his players know that tougher tests lie ahead, and improvement is needed if they hope to advance further in the tournament.
A Step Forward, but More Work to Do
Messi’s magical free-kick gave Inter Miami a famous win and brought joy to fans, but it also masked deeper problems that must be addressed. For Inter Miami, the challenge is clear: turn moments of individual brilliance into consistent team performances. Only then can they hope to truly compete with the world’s best clubs on the biggest stage.
As the FIFA Club World Cup continues, all eyes will remain on Messi and Miami—not just for the magic, but to see if they can grow into a team that wins not just with stars, but with strength across the pitch.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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