Manager Javier Mascherano insists his Inter Miami side can do “something amazing” after Lionel Messi produced a moment of magic as the MLS outfit came from behind against Porto to pick up their first victory at the 2025 Club World Cup.
Messi netted the winner in a 2-1 win with his 50th club goal and 68th direct free-kick of his career as the 37-year-old Argentine belied his age to dazzle against the Portuguese heavyweights.
Miami feel behind to an early Samu Aghehowa penalty and trailed at the break. However, the comeback began almost immediately after the restart, with Telasco Segovia drilling home the equaliser 90 seconds into the second-half.
The stage was then set for Messi and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner sparked jubilant scenes inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta seven minutes later when he curled home a sublime free-kick from just outside the box to complete the turnaround.
Messi doing Messi things – unreal free-kick! ⚽️
Enjoy it from every angle 👏👀
Watch the @fifacwc | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MIAFCP pic.twitter.com/3qCHOEzF1d
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025
The result means Mascherano’s side are on the brink of progressing to the knockout phase and the Miami boss could not hide his jubilation after the game.
“The guys did a fantastic show,” Mascherano told DAZN. “They were working really, really hard against a team that has a lot of quality.
“But today we can show the world and to ourselves that we can compete against any team.
“The players understood that they can do it, that they can work together. When we are together, we can do something amazing.
“It’s great for the people of USA to see our team competing in this kind of tournament.”
Next up for Mascherano, Messi and co. is a showdown with Brazilian side Palmeiras, who earlier won 2-0 against Al Ahly with Chelsea-bound teenager Estevao in the side.
It means a draw on Tuesday morning (UK time) would see both teams qualify for the Round of 16, while victory for either side would see them progress as group winners.
