Messi Scores Free Kick Winner in Club World Cup \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Lionel Messi delivered a signature free-kick goal in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Porto at the expanded Club World Cup. The Argentine’s brilliance sealed the win after a second-half equalizer by Telasco Segovia. Messi’s continued form highlights his dominance even as he approaches his 38th birthday.
Quick Looks
- Lionel Messi scored in the 54th minute from a free kick.
- The goal gave Inter Miami a 2-1 lead over Porto.
- Messi drew the foul just outside the penalty area.
- Telasco Segovia scored earlier to tie the match 1-1.
- Match played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
- Messi now has 10 goals, 6 assists in 12 MLS starts.
- Crowd support was heavily in favor of Inter Miami.
- Messi’s goal adds to his strong 2025 performance.
- Both teams had drawn their opening Group A matches.
- Marcelo Weigandt assisted on Segovia’s goal.
Deep Look
Lionel Messi continues to captivate football fans worldwide, delivering a moment of magic that reminded everyone of his enduring brilliance. In Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over Portuguese giants Porto at the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, Messi’s sublime 54th-minute free kick not only broke a tense 1-1 deadlock but also reinforced his status as a match-winner—even as he nears his 38th birthday.
The stage was set at the buzzing Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, where a sea of pink-clad supporters turned the neutral venue into a de facto home ground for Inter Miami. Thousands of fans wearing Messi’s iconic No. 10 jersey roared as he lined up the decisive free kick. Moments earlier, Messi had been fouled just outside the penalty area by Rodrigo Mora as he cut through the heart of Porto’s defense. What followed was pure Messi: a perfectly placed, curling left-footed blast that soared over the wall and tucked into the top right corner—untouchable for the goalkeeper and vintage in its execution.
The goal marked Messi’s first in the newly expanded Club World Cup format, and it couldn’t have come at a better time. With both Inter Miami and Porto having played to scoreless draws in their opening Group A matches, the game held high stakes. The Argentine’s strike ensured Inter Miami not only stayed in contention but moved to the top of the group, shifting momentum as the knockout stage looms.
Just minutes before Messi’s decisive goal, Inter Miami had drawn level through Telasco Segovia. The young Uruguayan midfielder capitalized on a pinpoint cross from Marcelo Weigandt, sliding into the box to finish clinically in the 47th minute. That goal nullified Porto’s first-half lead and gave Miami a renewed sense of urgency and belief.
Porto, a seasoned European side with a storied history, had looked in control during the first 45 minutes. However, their inability to respond to Miami’s second-half pressure exposed cracks in their defense. While they had chances to retake the lead, none came close to matching the precision or spectacle of Messi’s match-winner.
Speaking post-match to DAZN, Messi expressed his satisfaction with the team’s overall performance. “The whole team made a great effort,” he said. “We controlled the ball very well, and we’re very happy.” His comments underscored the tactical discipline and cohesion Miami displayed, which has been developing steadily despite early season struggles in Major League Soccer.
Indeed, Inter Miami has faced its share of adversity in 2025, battling inconsistency and injuries. But Messi’s influence has been nothing short of transformative. With 10 goals and six assists in just 12 MLS starts this year, he’s leading by example and showing that age is merely a number. His current form is not only helping the club climb domestically but also making waves on the international stage.
For his teammates, Messi’s presence continues to be a source of inspiration. “Extraordinary,” said Weigandt after the match. “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.”
With his 38th birthday just days away, speculation around Messi’s potential retirement has begun to swirl. Yet performances like these push that narrative to the background. Instead of decline, Messi is showing mastery—dictating tempo, creating chances, and delivering in the clutch. For fans, it’s a reassurance that the era of Messi magic isn’t over yet.
The Club World Cup, restructured to feature more teams and longer competition, now offers Messi an opportunity to add another global title to his decorated career. For Inter Miami, a club still in its infancy on the world stage, this victory represents a statement of intent. The combination of star power and growing team chemistry is beginning to yield results that match the hype.
As Inter Miami looks ahead to the remaining group matches and beyond, the team will undoubtedly lean on Messi’s leadership and experience. While every game won’t feature a highlight-reel goal, the Argentine’s presence on the pitch ensures that no match is ever truly out of reach.
In a tournament filled with traditional powerhouses and rising clubs, Messi’s free kick not only earned three points—it sent a message. Inter Miami, led by one of the sport’s living legends, is here to compete—and possibly conquer.
Messi Scores Free
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