Lionel Messi’s 50th Inter Miami goal in only his 61st appearance for the club sealed a 2-1 comeback win over FC Porto in their FIFA Club World Cup Group A clash, securing a first-ever victory in the competition.
Both sides contested goalless draws in their respective opening matches, but the deadlock was broken after only eight minutes in Atlanta through a controversial Porto penalty. Noah Allen was penalised for a challenge on João Mário after a VAR review, and Samu Aghehowa dispatched the subsequent penalty, despite Óscar Ustari getting a strong hand to the ball.
This largely came against the run of play, with Messi showcasing incredible knack to run at speed and petrify the opposition. The Argentine played in notorious partner in crime Luis Suárez, whose effort was stifled by Cláudio Ramos. He was called into action again to deny Benjamin Cremaschi, but Miami were fortunate not to concede another penalty when Sergio Busquets appeared to tug at Rodrigo Mora’s shirt just as the midfielder pulled the trigger. Ustari did brilliantly to keep the deficit at one with a fine subtle save to claw the ball to safety, after Alan Varela’s effort cannoned off the post.
