Tribute to the King! Messi Creates a Miracle: One Free Kick Sparks Club World Cup Upset, One More Point to Qualify

In the early hours of June 20th Beijing time, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Group A clash between Inter Miami and FC Porto delivered a stunning narrative that will be remembered for years. In front of a lively crowd at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Lionel Messi—arguably the greatest player of all time—did what only he can do: singlehandedly change the course of the game with a sublime free kick from 21 meters out. Inter Miami came from behind to claim a 2-1 victory, marking their first-ever win in this tournament and propelling them to four points in the group stage. With just one match remaining, a draw against group favorites Palmeiras will be enough for Miami to advance to the knockout stage.

The Calm Before the Storm

Inter Miami entered this contest riding the wave of a goalless draw with Al Ahly in their opening match. Expectations were tempered but hope remained high, especially with Messi and Luis Suárez leading the attack in a double striker setup. On the other side stood Porto, a club steeped in European pedigree, boasting a squad valued at an imposing €350 million, dwarfing Miami’s modest €66 million.

The game began with an early blow to Miami. Just eight minutes in, the Portuguese giants scored what felt like a guaranteed opener. It was as if Miami came onto the pitch already down 0-1. The daunting task was clear: overcome a powerhouse with a fraction of the resources.

The Messi Effect

But when you have Messi, hope is never lost. And the Catalan maestro delivered a performance that transcended expectations. Just two minutes into the second half, Telasco Segovia leveled the score for Miami, setting the stage for something extraordinary.

At the 54th minute mark, Messi’s moment arrived. After weaving through Porto’s defensive pressure and drawing a foul just outside the penalty area, he stepped up to take the free kick from the edge of the box, roughly 22 meters from goal. With his trademark left-footed precision, Messi curled the ball over the wall and into the right upper corner—leaving the goalkeeper rooted and the stadium erupting.

This was more than just a goal. It was Messi’s 68th direct free kick goal across 12 different competitions, a testament to his unrivaled technique and clutch ability. The crowd at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium responded with a wave of admiration, raising hands in salute to the football legend. Miami’s bench exploded with celebration, teammates rushing to embrace their captain.

Grit and Determination

The battle was far from over. In the 95th minute, Messi was brought down hard by Porto’s number 7, Willian Gomes. The superstar lay on the pitch in visible pain but eventually rose to his feet and carried on, embodying the grit and determination that have defined his career.

By full time, Messi had contributed not just a goal but also two key passes and a host of incisive runs. According to sofascore, he earned an impressive 8.3 rating for his all-around influence on the pitch.

The David vs. Goliath Tale

From a purely economic standpoint, this match looked heavily tilted towards Porto. Their total squad value exceeded €350 million compared to Miami’s €66 million, highlighting a massive gap in star power and depth. Yet, football is not played on spreadsheets—it’s decided by moments of brilliance and collective will.

Messi’s free kick was the defining moment that turned the tide in favor of Miami, a team once dismissed as an “over-40’s club” but now boldly carving its name into Club World Cup history.

Road to Qualification

With this victory, Miami climbed to four points and second place in Group A behind Palmeiras, who topped the group with four points as well after defeating Al Ahly 2-0 earlier that day.

Looking ahead, Miami faces Palmeiras in a final group match that promises drama. Both teams need just a draw to ensure passage into the knockout rounds, which could set the stage for a cautious tactical showdown.

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Messi’s free kick was not just a goal—it was a symphony of precision and composure, a single strike that echoed through the stadium and reshaped the fate of a team. In a world obsessed with youth and market value, the king reminded us all that genius transcends time and money.

This match will be remembered as a landmark moment, a tribute to Messi’s enduring legacy and the magic that only he can conjure on the grandest stages.