Inter Miami secured a thrilling 2-1 victory over FC Porto in their second group stage match of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, marking a historic moment for both the club and CONCACAF. The match, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, saw Inter Miami become the first club in CONCACAF history to defeat a European opponent in an official competition, and the first team from the United States to win a match in a Club World Cup.
The game began with an early setback for Inter Miami, as Porto's Samu Aghehowa converted a penalty in the 8th minute. Inter Miami responded in the second half with Telasco Segovia's powerful right-footed finish in the 47th minute, assisted by Marcelo Weigandt. The comeback was complete in the 54th minute when Lionel Messi scored a free kick, reaching his 50th goal for Inter Miami across all competitions.
Inter Miami's starting lineup featured Ustari in goal; Weigandt, Fray, Falcón, and Allen in defense; Cremaschi, Busquets, Allende, and Segovia in midfield; and Messi and Suárez in attack. Porto's initial goal came after a video review determined a foul on João Mário by Noah Allen, leading to the penalty. Despite trailing, Inter Miami showed resilience, with Suárez and Cremaschi nearly equalizing in the first half. Falcón's crucial goal-line clearance in the 39th minute prevented Porto from extending their lead.
After Segovia's equalizer, Messi's free kick sealed the victory. The Argentine's goal was his sixth in Club World Cup tournaments, adding to his legacy. Post-match, coach Javier Mascherano hailed the win as historic for the club, praising the team's courage. Messi, characteristically, focused on the team's overall performance.
Inter Miami's journey in the Club World Cup began with a 0-0 draw against Al Ahly FC. Goalkeeper Óscar Ustari was instrumental in securing the draw, saving a penalty. After the victory against Porto, Inter Miami stands with four points in Group A, tied with Palmeiras. The team will face Palmeiras in their final group stage match on June 23, with a draw guaranteeing them a spot in the Round of 16.
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is the first edition of the expanded tournament, featuring 32 teams and taking place in the United States from June 14 to July 13. The tournament includes clubs from six confederations, with UEFA having the most slots (12) and CONMEBOL the second most (6). The tournament has drawn large crowds, with a total attendance of over half a million fans in the first round. Players from 66 countries have participated, and 44 goals have been scored in the first 16 matches.
