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Messi scores first goal at expanded Club World Cup during Inter Miami's to 2-1 win over Porto

Published: 20 Jun. 2025, 09:27 Updated: 20 Jun. 2025, 09:33

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami celebrates after scoring during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 match between Inter Miami and Porto in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 19. [EPA]

Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the expanded Club World Cup on a patented free kick in the 54th minute to break a tie in Inter Miami's 2-1 victory over Porto on Thursday.

Messi was taken down just outside the penalty area by Rodrigo Mora on a run down the middle of the field. With chants of “Messi! Messi!” rocking Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the 37-year-old Argentine star's left-footed blast cleared the wall and sailed into the top right corner.

Inter Miami tied it at 1-all on Telasco Segovia's goal two minutes into the second half off a cross into the box from Marcelo Weigandt.

Messi’s goal serves as a continuation of good form in the calendar year. Though the team has had a slow start, he has 10 goals and six assists in 12 starts in Major League Soccer. It felt like a home game for Miami, with an overwhelmingly pink crowd in Atlanta.

“The whole team made a great effort,” Messi told DAZN. “We controlled the ball very well, and we’re very happy.”

Lionel Messi of Inter Miami scores their second goal from a free kick in a match against FC Porto at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 19. [REUTERS/YONHAP]

With Messi's 38th birthday less than a week away, his continued success is a positive sign for fans, including the thousands wearing No. 10 jerseys inside the stadium, that his retirement is still a ways away.

The MLS club and two-time European champion Porto were held to scoreless draws in their opening Group A matches.

“Extraordinary,” Weigandt said. “When I saw the ball take off with such power I said, ‘No, that’s it.' We're already used to this kind of thing. [...] Knowing him has shown me what a great person he is, and that only makes him greater and more extraordinary.”

AP