How Inter Miami, Fueled by Lionel Messi, Stunned Porto in the Club World Cup

In football, success or failure can frequently hinge on being in the right place at the right moment, a feat that Lionel Messi has mastered for over twenty years.

Having nearly claimed every major accolade in the sport with Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar against France in December 2022, the legendary No.10 is now at the helm of Inter Miami’s quest in the Club World Cup.

Though the tournament kicked off with a goalless draw against Al Ahly, which was far from a standout display, a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory over Porto has stirred up Group A, granting Inter Miami a valid shot at advancing into the knockout stages—something that must have surpassed the wildest imaginings of co-owner David Beckham during the draw.

Messi’s brilliance dazzles at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

On a night when Botafogo also caused an upset against PSG, it was a moment of Messi magic from a set-piece that clinched the match for his team.

Before Messi’s incredible strike ignited the match and sent a majority of the crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium into a frenzy, Samu Aghehowa had given Porto the lead via a contested penalty awarded by VAR.

Porto had managed six shots on goal, including one from Alan Varela that struck the woodwork.

Despite Miami’s determined efforts to disrupt their opponents, who possessed a rather attractive passing game, they struggled to find a breakthrough against Claudio Ramos, who made three crucial saves throughout the encounter.

Turning point just after half-time

The momentum changed immediately after the interval when Marcelo Weigandt’s cross was blasted home by Telasco Segovia before Ramos had time to react.

Just seven minutes later, Messi showcased his prowess, expertly bending the ball over the wall into the corner of the net for another magnificent goal, further adding to the lengthy highlight reel from the illustrious Argentine’s career.

For the majority of the match, Porto dominated possession and chances created.

By full-time, the Portuguese side had registered 14 shots, made 35 touches in the Miami penalty area, completed 22 dribbles, and sent in 19 crosses while Inter attempted to fend them off with a mere 467 passes compared to Porto’s 453. Possession was virtually neck-and-neck at the end, with Miami at 49.9% and Porto slightly ahead with 51.1%.

Fabio Vieira’s valiant efforts for Porto saw him amass 100 touches, delivering 29 passes in the attacking third, and an impressive total of 80, putting him ahead of all others on the pitch. Rodrigo Mora’s recovery of possession on seven occasions, alongside his nine touches within the box, indicates that Porto certainly fought hard.

This defeat will likely sting for Martin Anselmi and his team, especially since after Messi’s dazzling display in the 53rd minute, Inter Miami managed no further shots until the 96th, when Fafa Picoult finally got one on target.

Were Porto too complacent with their passes?

It’s noteworthy that every Porto player in the starting lineup achieved a pass completion rate above 80%, making it challenging to fault their distribution.

With 11 chances created, they outperformed Inter’s tally significantly. Yet, they might have relinquished control by allowing Inter to intercept the ball far too often.

Sergio Busquets and Benjamin Cremaschi, both with four interceptions, were pivotal, while the total of 15 interceptions suggests some negligence from certain Porto players.

Such lapses are simply unacceptable at this level.

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Luis Suarez’s influence felt despite no goals

While Luis Suarez didn’t get on the scoresheet, he certainly made his presence known, as expected.

Winning all three of his attempted tackles and drawing four fouls against himself, the Uruguayan displayed his top-level experience by being a constant thorn in the side of the opposition.

Indeed, with 14 tackles won from 19 attempts (while Porto only attempted seven), it appears Inter were far more invested in the contest than their rivals.

As often occurs when one side is overwhelming favourites, complacency can set in; however, aside from their many intercepted passes, it’s difficult to pin a lot of blame on the Portuguese team.

At times, teams must acknowledge they have been outplayed, no matter how difficult that may be to accept.