By Adam — SoFlo Sports Buzz
June 20, 2025
What a turnaround. Inter Miami CF delivered a statement performance in Atlanta, erasing a first‑half deficit to beat FC Porto 2–1 in Group A of the FIFA Club World Cup. In doing so, they not only secured their first victory in the tournament but etched their names into history as the first CONCACAF club to defeat a major European team in official competition.
Early Drama & Porto’s Fast Start
Just eight minutes in, Porto was awarded a penalty after a VAR review spotted a foul by Noah Allen. Ustari guessed correctly but the shot was too powerful—Porto 1, Miami 0. The opening spark set Porto free, and for most of the half, they dictated territory and tempo. Miami’s back line, marshaled by Weigandt, Falcón, Avilés, and Allen, remained composed, coming close to conceding again when Rodrigo Mora’s header was eerily cleared off the line by Falcón.
By halftime, Miami had weathered the Portuguese club’s pressure but trailed, and would need a shift at the break.
Explosion at the Restart: Segovia & Messi Strike
Coach Mascherano’s halftime talk worked wonders. Within 90 or so seconds of kickoff, Marcelo Weigandt lofted a pinpoint cross that Telasco Segovia met with a first-time strike into the top corner—1–1. The celebration was instant and intense, reigniting Miami’s hopes and momentum.
From that fireworks moment, the game shifted. Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and the game’s veterans became more involved, and the atmosphere flipped—Atlanta rose in support, and Miami looked dangerous.
Messi’s Free-Kick Magic
The match-winner arrived in the 54th minute—and of course, it came from the goat himself. Messi curled a sumptuous free kick into the top-right corner beyond Claudio Ramos, delivering Miami’s second goal and their first lead of the match.
It was Messi’s first Club World Cup goal since 2015 and his 50th goal in just 61 appearances for the Herons. Beyond the numbers, it was a breathtaking display: wind-up, dip, precision, and authority—proof that age hasn’t dimmed his mastery.
Holding the Edge: Miami’s Defensive Maturity
After Messi’s strike, Miami’s playing style matured. Porto pushed hard, but Miami’s midfield—anchored by Busquets—was calm and controlled. In defense, Weigandt and Falcón stood tall, while Ustari spent the closing minutes commanding his box.
Substitutions like Jordi Alba (defense/injury) and Fafa Picault (energy) maintained the shape as Miami held firm until the final whistle.
Historic Statement & Statistical Snapshot
- Possession: Roughly 55–45 in Miami’s favor after halftime
- Shots: 6 overall, with 5 on target (compared to Porto’s 14 and 3)
- Corners: A tight edge for Porto
- Clean sheet: Broken, but with Miami now leading their destiny—4 points from 2 matches
That win put Miami in position for a final group match showdown against Palmeiras on June 23—a draw will secure progression.
Post-Match Voices
Javier Mascherano summed it up accurately:
“We knew the first half wasn’t us. But we stayed patient, kept playing our way… that free kick from Messi sealed it.”
Telasco Segovia, on local media, said:
“To score that quickly after the break felt amazing—it flipped us psychologically.”
Lionel Messi, speaking to reporters, reflected on his magic moment:
“Every goal means something. That free kick… it matters, for the team and the fans.”
Tactical Breakdown
- Mental resilience: Coming from behind showcased character
- Set-piece precision: Both goals came from dead-ball situations
- Depth utilization: Key contributions from Segovia, Weigandt, Alba
- Veteran control: Messi, Busquets, and Suárez steering the ship
Miami’s mastery lay in adapting: from defending with grit to attacking with composure.
What’s Next: Palmeiras Showdown
The Herons are three points clear of Porto and seated alongside Palmeiras at the top. The two top squads in the group face off on Monday, June 23 at 9 p.m. ET in Miami—winner tops the group; draw is enough for both..
For Miami, tonight’s win isn’t just a confidence boost—it’s a platform. Beat Palmeiras, and they’ll enter the knockout rounds with serious momentum.
Final Take
This match felt like a coming-of-age moment: first half tense, second half transformative. Messi’s brilliance and Segovia’s timely equalizer combined with Miami’s defensive steel to take down a European giant.
Historically, this result echoes: the win makes Inter Miami the first CONCACAF team to beat a UEFA opponent in a competitive match—something unthinkable not long ago. But beyond the milestone, it’s a statement: Miami isn’t here to fill space. They’re here to compete.
Now comes the big test. Palmeiras await, and a draw means knockout football. But if at this stage Miami can turn around a penalty deficit and flip the script through class and character? We might be watching a merry pink revolution unfold.
Check out the highlights from the match.