Lionel Messi was again the protagonist in the Club World Cup 2025 By scoring a free kick in the victory of Inter Miami 2-1 on Porto. The triumph not only meant a key step towards the round of 16, but also the first victory of a MLS team over one of the UEFA in this international tournament.
After the meeting, the Argentine captain spoked with ESPN and made clear the evolution of his team:
“It was a very important victory for us. A great effort of the whole team was made. It worked very well. We not only defended ourselves, because in the second half and even the second goal we handled the ball very well.”
Messi also reflected on the goalless draw in the debut against Ahly:
“We stayed with the bitter taste in the first game. We thought we could have won, but we could also lose it, because they had chances and the penalty.”
Regarding the free kick goal, he explained his rival goalkeeper reading:
“I saw that the goalkeeper was a little more in the middle, near the arch, and that it was going to be difficult to pass it over. I took advantage of the space that left me, because he did not cover his stick so much.”
Messi, who will turn 38 next Tuesday, highlighted the group’s effort, especially the youngest:
“There are nerves of many young boys who for the first time play a special and significant competition.”
The Argentine star also referred to the following challenge in the group stage:
“Now it’s up to Palmeiras, who is a great world, and it will be another very complicated game. Today we made a great game and we released more. In the first half we change. We are going to compete and make our game. We are inferior, but we know we have our weapons.”
On the physical discomfort he suffered during the second half, Messi took peace of mind:
“It’s a nuisance, nothing happens.”
With this victory, Inter Miami leads group A with Palmeiras, although the Brazilian team has a better goal difference. The last day will be decisive: on Monday, at 22 (Argentine time), Inter Miami will face Palmeiras and Porto A al Ahly, both simultaneously.
Messi again made it clear that his leadership is still valid and that his ambition to compete at the top does not stop. Inter Miami’s dream at the Club World Cup is still intact.
