Lionel Messi and Inter Miami CF secure first win at the FIFA Club World Cup against Porto

Against Porto 

©TM/IMAGO

It took four games dating back to the old competition, but a Major League Soccer club has finally recorded a win at the FIFA Club World Cup. On Thursday, Inter Miami CF defeated Portuguese powerhouse Porto 2-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta thanks to goals by Telasco Segovia (47’) and a brilliant free kick by Lionel Messi (54’). It was a come-from-behind victory as well as Porto took the lead in the eighth minute with Samu Aghehowa converting from the spot to give the Europeans the lead.

On balance, it was a tightly contested affair between the Portuguese club and the MLS side, with possession evenly split at 50/50. Porto did have the better chances, though. The Portuguese side led with an xG of 1.65 to 0.90. They also dominated with 14 to six shots on goal. However, unlike on matchday one, when MLS teams struggled to convert many of their chances, Inter Miami managed to flip the script, with Messi showcasing his brilliance with an excellent free kick.

From then on, it was an onslaught by the Portuguese side. But despite having one of the most in-demand forward in Samu in the lineup, Porto couldn’t make any of their chances count. Just to put that in perspective, Samu’s market value is €50m, just €18m less than the entire Inter Miami side put together. In fact, the gulf in market value between MLS sides and the top European and Brazilian clubs has been pointed out in the past. But Miami also have Messi, who on his day can still make a significant difference on the pitch.

Inter Miami record first-ever FIFA Club World Cup win – What happens next?

Either way, the result now puts Inter Miami in a very comfortable position. Inter Miami drew their first game 0-0 against Al-Ahly. That result, then, was a bit of a disappointment. But with the win today and Palmeiras being held to a 0-0 draw against Al-Ahly as well, Miami are now in a comfortable position to advance from their group with a draw on the final matchday against Brazilian side Palmeiras (Jun. 23 at Hard Rock Stadium). Both Miami and the Brazilians now have four points each and are three points clear of Porto and Al-Ahly. Miami would also advance if Porto and Al-Ahly hold each other to a draw.