In a stunning display of grit and determination, Inter Miami secured a historic 2-1 victory over Portuguese giants Porto at the Club World Cup, with a remarkable performance from veteran playmaker Lionel Messi. The 37-year-old superstar curled in a superb free-kick to cement his status as man of the match during the clash held at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, who shares an Argentine heritage with Messi, expressed his admiration for the footballing icon’s relentless desire to win, which he considers even more impressive than Messi’s renowned talent.
“Beyond his goal, he’s a player who shows us how to compete, his hunger, his desire to continue competing at whatever level it is,” Mascherano told reporters following the match.Remarkably, this marked a first-ever competitive victory for an MLS team against a European opponent, and it caught many off guard, with Porto expected to dominate the match. However, Miami proved they could stand toe-to-toe with their highly-rated counterparts.
“We understood that in football there are obviously hierarchies, and we were facing a team at a high level, with international players,” Mascherano said. Yet, he remained convinced that if Miami executed their plan and played with courage, they could compete effectively.
The match unfolded dynamically, with Samu Aghehowa putting Porto ahead with a first-half penalty. However, Messi and Telasco Segovia quickly turned the tide in Miami’s favour after halftime, securing a draw and then turning it around with Messi’s notable strike.
Mascherano spoke about the crucial halftime period when he encouraged his players to dispel any doubts, emphasising the importance of spirit and capability over the final score.
“What I was interested in was showing we were capable of playing with and without the ball, and they understood. They picked themselves up, and in the end, it was a great afternoon for us,” he added, reflecting on the team’s resilience.
Messi’s influence was palpable throughout the match, particularly as the game wore on and fatigue set in. “Even in the last minutes, tired, with a knock, he kept helping the team in any way he could – in attack, in defence – to get the result,” Mascherano noted, showcasing Messi’s dedication to his team.
That indomitable spirit, showcased in this crucial victory, not only lifted Inter Miami to equal four points with Palmeiras at the top of Group A but also served as a testament to Messi’s enduring legacy as one of the greatest in football history.