Stunning Messi free-kick seals 2-1 comeback win for Inter Miami vs Porto in Club World Cup | OneFootball

Inter Miami claimed a shock 2-1 win over Primeira Liga giants FC Porto thanks to a fantastic goal from Lionel Messi as the Major League Soccer (MLS) side mounted a remarkable comeback.

Porto took the early lead when wing-back Joao Mario won a penalty that Samu Aghehowa converted despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball.

The Porto striker proved a handful for the Inter Miami defence with his back-to-goal play, but his side would allow the opponents back into the game.

Messi began pulling the strings and proved difficult to contain for the Portuguese team.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner may have lost his famous pace, but his vision, creativity, and close control allowed him to set Luis Suarez free on 19. Claudio Ramos kept him out.

Benjamin Cremaschi forced another excellent save from Ramos before Porto came close twice through Aghehowa and Alan Varela from some distance.

Inter Miami came out for the second 45 determined to turn things around and got the breakthrough when Telasco Segovia blasted home a cross to bring the American team level.

Minutes later, Inter Miami completed the comeback through Messi as he guided an exquisite free-kick into the top corner beyond Ramos.

It was the 68th of his glittering career across club and country, scoring at least one in 12 different competitions (plus international friendlies).

Messi has scored 50 goals for Inter Miami in just 61 appearances. The 37-year-old was also named the Superior Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.

The MLS side moves to second on their group table, level on four points with Palmeiras before they face on Tuesday.

Messi will be key to their chances of getting past the Brazilian side led by one of the many young starlets who idolised him growing up in Estevao Willian.