Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the expanded Club World Cup with the patented free kick to give Inter Miami a historic 2-1 win over two-time European champion FC Porto on Thursday.
Messi , one of the biggest stars of the 32-team tournament, was brought down just outside the penalty area by Rodrigo Moura as he ran through the middle of the field.
As the crowd at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium chanted his name, Messi’s left-footed strike in the 54th minute sailed over the Porto wall and into the top right corner of the net.
The win puts Miami in prime position to reach the knockout rounds after a disappointing goalless draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly in the tournament opener on Saturday.
“It was a great effort from the whole team,” Messi told DAZN. “We not only defended well, but also handled the ball well. We felt a bit bitter after the game against Al Ahly. It is a important win, and we will enjoy it.”
“It was seen that we wanted to compete; we competed against a good team, and we lost the first half here and there. The young players were nervous playing in this competition for the first time.”
Inter Miami beat 1-0, Samu Aghehova on a penalty in the first minute of the modification in the video arbitrage, the primer goal on the Club Portugués and Torneo.
Telesco Segovia looking for a partner in another minute in the center of Marcelo Weygandt. So, a moment of glory from the Argentine at the age of 37.
Miami started to join CONCACAF, an international competition with FIFA clubs, with a rival Europe. So far, Messi ranks 50th in Miami and in all competitions, a difference of 61.ª.
“[Messi] is the player who motivates us to compete,” Miami head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters. “His hunger, his resilience, his desire to continue competing, no matter what level it is.
“What else can I say in terms of football? He is the good player the game has ever seen. But his determination to win is always amazing.
For more news – ClickHere
Follow us on – SocialMedia