In a historic night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to a stunning 2–1 victory over Porto, securing the club’s first-ever FIFA Club World Cup win. The triumph marked a monumental moment for Major League Soccer (MLS), as Inter Miami became the first MLS team to defeat a European side in an official competition. Additionally, David Beckham’s club etched its name in history as the first North American team to claim a victory in the newly expanded tournament.
Despite Inter Miami’s inconsistent start to the 2025 season, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield winners showcased their resilience, with Messi at the heart of their success. The 37-year-old Argentine superstar delivered a vintage performance, capping the Herons’ second-half comeback with a breathtaking free-kick goal. His brilliance on the pitch not only sealed the win but also left his manager, Javier Mascherano, in awe.
“Beyond the goal, Leo is the player who guides us in how to compete,” Mascherano said post-match. “His hunger, his resilience, his desire to continue competing at any level guides us and shows us where we need to go. From a soccer perspective, we can say he’s the best player to have ever played this game, but his desire to win is surprising. Even in the final minutes, tired and injured, he continued to help the team get the result. We have to hold onto that and know that having him gives us an advantage, and we have to catch his spirit.”
Messi’s heroics came just five days after he played the full 90 minutes in Inter Miami’s goalless draw against Al Ahly. Despite the short recovery time, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner showed no signs of slowing down, adding to his remarkable tally of 21 goal contributions in 22 appearances across all competitions this season. His performance against Porto underscored his ability to single-handedly carry Inter Miami, pushing them closer to the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16.
MESSI MAGIC ONCE AGAIN ☄️🐐
What a free kick from the goat at the FIFA Club World Cup. pic.twitter.com/EiAv4invb8
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 19, 2025
With a win or draw against Palmeiras on Monday, June 23, Inter Miami can secure their place in the knockout stage. Mascherano remains focused on the task ahead, emphasizing the team’s determination to keep their tournament hopes alive. “We’re still alive in the competition, and we’re going to play our third match with a chance of qualifying for the Club World Cup,” he said. “We haven’t achieved anything yet, so we have to try to rest, and we’ll give everything on Monday to try to qualify.”
Messi’s leadership and unrelenting drive continue to inspire Inter Miami, proving that even at 37, he remains a force to be reckoned with on the global stage. As the Herons prepare for their crucial match against Palmeiras, all eyes will be on their talismanic captain to deliver yet another unforgettable performance.