Messi Helps Inter Miami to First Win at 2025 Club World Cup Amid Injury Concerns
- Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick in the 54th minute to give Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Porto in the 2025 Club World Cup
- Despite delivering a match-winning performance, Messi revealed he has been dealing with a recurring thigh issue
- With the win over Porto and a draw against Al Ahly, Inter Miami sit second in Group A with 4 points, level with leaders Palmeiras
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Lionel Messi delivered yet another masterclass performance in an exhilarating match at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday, June 19, scoring a brilliant free-kick to secure Inter Miami’s first win in the tournament.
The match ended with a 2-1 victory over Porto, but Messi’s post-match comments revealed that his thigh injury has been causing him ongoing discomfort.
Source: Getty Images
Dramatic victory for Inter Miami
The match started with Porto’s early lead, as Samuel Aghehowa converted a penalty in the 8th minute, putting the Portuguese side in front.
However, Inter Miami responded in style, with Telasco Segovia scoring the equaliser in the 47th minute, according to ESPN.
The game was now delicately poised at 1-1, with both teams fighting hard for the victory to boost their chances of qualifying from Group A.
La Pulga then showcased his undeniable brilliance just as the match seemed to be heading towards a draw.
In the 54th minute, the Argentine forward stepped up to take a free-kick from a dangerous position. With his trademark precision, Messi curled the ball over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Porto’s goalkeeper with no chance.
The goal sealed a 2-1 victory for Inter Miami, earning them their first win in the 2025 Club World Cup, per GOAL.
Source: Getty Images
Messi reveals injury concerns
While Messi’s free-kick was the highlight of the match, his post-game comments shed light on the struggles he has been facing with a recurring thigh injury.
In an interview, quoted by Inter Miami News Hub on X, Messi revealed that the issue has been bothering him for some time now.
"I’ve been dealing with a problem in my thigh for a while now," Messi said. "It’s been bothering me a lot, and today I felt it again. It's nothing serious, and I’m dealing with it well."
A look at Inter Miami’s CWC performance so far
This win over Porto was a much-needed boost for Inter Miami, who had drawn 0-0 in their opening match of the tournament against Al Ahly on June 14, 2025.
The result left many questioning if Inter Miami, which has been in the spotlight since Messi’s arrival, could live up to the expectations placed upon them.
However, the victory over Porto, combined with the draw against Al Ahly, puts Inter Miami in a good position in Group A of the tournament.
With 4 points from two matches, they are level on points with Palmeiras, who defeated Al Ahly 2-0 in the other Group A match.
The next match against Palmeiras on June 23 in the tournament will be crucial, as it could determine Inter Miami’s place in the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, African giants Al Ahly, who were defeated 2-0 by the Brazilian side, would contest their final group game against FC Porto on the same day.
Messi's reaction to Inter Miami's MLS Cup loss
YEN.com.gh earlier reported on Lionel Messi's statement following Inter Miami's disappointing elimination from the MLS Cup in November 2024.
The former Barcelona star and his Inter side were the clear favourites to win the match and advance, but their opponent produced a big performance to stun them.
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