FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Group A Standings After Inter Miami Beat FC Porto 2-1

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FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Inter Miami stunned Porto with a dramatic 2-1 win in the FIFA Club World Cup on Thursday, courtesy of a brilliant free-kick from Lionel Messi.

With this result, both Inter Miami and Palmeiras are now tied on four points at the top of Group A, after the Brazilian club defeated Al Ahly 2-0. Meanwhile, Porto and Al Ahly remain on a single point each.

Porto looked in control early on and were rewarded with an eighth-minute goal. Samu Aghehowa converted a penalty awarded via VAR after Joao Mario was clipped by Noah Allen. The Portuguese side dominated the first half, but Inter Miami stayed in the contest thanks to strong goalkeeping from Ustari and a crucial clearance off the line by Maximiliano Falcon.

Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami in 2023, was involved from the outset-nearly setting up Luis Suarez with a clever pass early in the game. Suarez had another opportunity to level the scores after being played through by Messi, but Porto's keeper Claudio Ramos kept the ball out. Benjamin Cremaschi also came close, only to be denied at the near post.

The breakthrough for Inter Miami came shortly after the interval. Marcelo Weigandt sent in a precise ball that Telasco Segovia slotted home to equalise. Just minutes later, Messi was fouled just outside the area and stepped up to do what he does best-curling a pinpoint free-kick into the top corner in the 54th minute, leaving Ramos with no chance.

The goal not only secured a vital three points for the MLS side but also made history: Inter Miami became the first team from Major League Soccer to defeat European opposition in an official tournament. The win follows Chelsea's earlier victory over LAFC, making Miami's upset even more significant.

Founded in 2020 and co-owned by David Beckham, Inter Miami has grown rapidly in stature, with Messi's arrival marking a turning point for the franchise. Thursday's win further cements their rising global profile and underscores Messi's enduring impact on the pitch.

Current Group A Standings

Both the teams will be next seen in action on June 23. FC Porto will take on Egyptian side Al Ahly, while Inter Miami will take on Brazil's Palmeiras.