Club World Cup: Vintage Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami's win vs Porto, Botafogo stuns PSG

India Today

4 hours ago

Lionel Messi rolled back the years as he helped guide Inter Miami to a historic win over FC Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup clash on Friday, June 20. The footballing icon produced yet another magical free-kick to give his side a 2-1 victory over the Portuguese outfit.Reeling from a goalless draw in their opening fixture against Al Ahly, Inter Miami came out with a point to prove and toppled the Portuguese giants in what was a landmark win. It marked the first time a CONCACAF team had defeated a European side in an official tournament.advertisementPorto took an early lead after earning a penalty, which Samuel Aghehowa converted. However, Miami's Venezuelan winger, Telasco Segovia, levelled the scores early in the second half, latching onto a cross from Marcelo Weigandt and finishing confidently.
But it was Messi who ultimately stole the spotlight, delivering a trademark free-kick from just outside the penalty area to put his team ahead-an advantage they held onto until the final whistle.Speaking to the media post-match, Messi revealed the team was determined to bounce back from their opening draw and make a statement."It's a great joy. A lot of effort went into it, and we worked very well. I'm very happy. We were left with a bitter taste after the first match. We thought we could have won it," Messi said.Regarding his stunning set-piece, Messi kept his explanation simple, attributing the goal to noticing a gap left by the goalkeeper.advertisement'I took advantage of the space left by the goalkeeper, who was standing still and not covering his post. I tried to score there,' he added.BIGGEST UPSET OF THE SEASON?The reigning UEFA Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain, were left stunned after suffering a shock defeat to Brazilian top-flight champions Botafogo.Even though PSG rotated their squad slightly, the side still featured the likes of Dsir Dou, Gonalo Ramos, and Warren Zare-Emery. Yet the French giants failed to find their rhythm and ultimately paid the price.Igor Jesus scored the only goal of the match in the 36th minute. A well-timed through ball from Jefferson Savarino split the defence, allowing Jesus to cut past the final defenders and squeeze a shot past the keeper. Though the ball took a deflection, it managed to roll over the line.Botafogo held on to their lead for the remainder of the game. PSG had their chances, including a 79th-minute goal that was ruled out for offside.ATLTICO MADRID BACK TO WINNING WAYSAfter being outclassed by PSG in their opener, Atltico Madrid roared back into form. Pablo Barrios scored a brace and Axel Witsel added another in a commanding 3-1 win over MLS side Seattle Sounders.advertisementBarrios opened the scoring in the 11th minute, smashing the ball in from the box after being set up by Giovanni Simeone.Witsel, who came on at halftime, scored shortly after. A long-range effort from Marcos Llorente struck the crossbar, and the Belgian international was on hand to tap in the rebound.Despite conceding a goal to the Sounders, Barrios struck again to put the result beyond doubt and ensure Atltico returned to winning ways.Trending Reel