Lionel Messi’s trademark free-kick inspired Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory over Porto in a dramatic FIFA Club World Cup clash, keeping the MLS side on track for qualification from Group A. On a busy day of action, Palmeiras overcame Al Ahly amid severe weather delays, Atlético Madrid revived their tournament hopes against Seattle Sounders, and Botafogo edged past PSG in a statement win.
Messi’s free-kick seals historic win for Inter Miami over FC Porto
Inter Miami staged a second-half comeback to defeat Portuguese giants Porto 2-1, with Lionel Messi curling home a stunning free-kick to cap a memorable turnaround. After a sluggish first half saw Samu Aghehowa give Porto an early lead from the spot, Miami found life through Telasco Segovia’s thunderous equaliser before Messi delivered the decisive blow.
Despite being underdogs, Inter Miami grew into the contest, driven forward by Messi’s influence. Luis Suárez and Benjamin Cremaschi both had chances denied by Porto keeper Claudio Ramos, while Rodrigo Mora nearly made it 2-0 before halftime, only for Maximiliano Falcón to clear off the line. Ultimately, Messi’s brilliance proved the difference, earning Inter Miami their first-ever competitive win over European opposition.
Palmeiras beat Al Ahly after weather delays in new jersey
Palmeiras secured a crucial 2-0 win over Al Ahly in a game marred by extreme weather conditions at MetLife Stadium. Play was suspended for 40 minutes in the second half as lightning threats and searing 31°C heat forced referee Anthony Taylor to clear the field and advise fans to seek shelter.
The Brazilian champions broke the deadlock early in the second half via an own goal from Achraf Dari before substitute Jose Lopez doubled the lead ten minutes later on a counterattack. Raphael Veiga narrowly avoided a red card following VAR review, which downgraded his high tackle to a yellow. With four points from two matches, Palmeiras now share top spot in Group A with Inter Miami.
Atlético Madrid bounce back with win over Seattle Sounders
Atlético Madrid reignited their Club World Cup campaign with a 3-1 win over MLS side Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field. Spanish midfielder Pablo Barrios netted twice, while Axel Witsel added another to sink a Sounders team that had little answer to the La Liga side’s dominance.
After a 4-0 drubbing by PSG in their opener, Diego Simeone’s team responded with renewed intensity. The result leaves the Sounders out of contention following two straight losses, while Atlético now eye a group-deciding clash against Botafogo. Seattle’s defense held for much of the first half but crumbled under second-half pressure, with Barrios’ attacking display stealing the show.
Igor Jesus shines as Botafogo defeat PSG in tight clash
Brazilian champions Botafogo pulled off a shock 1-0 win over Paris Saint-Germain thanks to a first-half strike by Igor Jesus. The 24-year-old forward’s effort deflected past Gianluigi Donnarumma after a clever solo run, lifting Botafogo to the brink of knockout qualification. Despite heavy pressure from PSG stars Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Gonçalo Ramos, Botafogo’s defense held firm. The result means PSG will need to win their final group game to stay alive. Jesus, who has drawn interest from clubs like Nottingham Forest, continued his breakout season with another crucial performance, even as Botafogo saw little possession.