WATCH: Lionel Messi's breathtaking free-kick helps Inter Miami defeat Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup

The Argentine legend Lionel Messi again proved to be the differential factor in the latest FIFA Club World Cup group fixture. The little talisman from Rosario helped his side, Inter Miami, notch up a historic victory against a top European club.

Messi's magic helped MLS club Inter Miami defeat former UCL winners FC Porto 2-1 in the round robin fixture at the FIFA Club World Cup. The win helped the Herons edge closer to knockout qualification.

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Lionel Messi's magical kick helps Miami defeat Porto. 

The World Cup-winning Argentine captain, Lionel Messi, led his side to a famous victory over the 2004 UCL winners. Porto FC, one of the top Portuguese clubs that is a frequent entrant in the UEFA Champions League, faced a narrow loss against the MLS Eastern Conference Supporters' Shield winners. FC Porto entered the fixture as the clear favourites but left without bagging a single point from the fixture.

Lionel Messi was instrumental in guiding Herons to the victory as he slammed in the decisive goal. In the 54th minute, Messi made a run towards Porto's box and was fouled by the opposition defenders. Upon receiving a free kick, Messi stepped up to his usual best to curl in a breathtaking goal from nearly 25 yards out. Despite making a full-stretch diving effort, the goalkeeper stood no chance of saving the shot.

Messi still scoring free kick goals against European teams at aged 38 it’s like time never passed at all man pic.twitter.com/riwowFO1Ge

— Anna (@Anna_96_10) June 19, 2025

Messi scored the 68th free-kick goal of his career. He also notched up 1000+ goal contributions playing against the top-tier European clubs. Messi's 866th career goal was special in a unique way. Since 2018, Messi has now converted more free-kicks (34) than penalties (33). Messi has now become the fastest player to reach 50 goals for Inter Miami, having achieved the feat in just 61 appearances.

This angle of Messi's free kick goal against FC Portopic.twitter.com/LdMeKit9sJ

— Troll Football Media (@Troll__Footbal) June 19, 2025

The 37-year-old continues to defy odds and logic as he also became the first player ever to get to 1250 career goal contributions. Messi's stellar performance lifted the spirits of the team and the fans after a llacklustredraw against Al Ahly.

The Herons will now face the current toppers of their group, Palmeiras, in the next fixture on June 24th. A positive result or a draw against the South American club will ensure Miami's entry into the round of 16.