Lionel Messi has now scored 50 goals for Inter Miami in just 61 appearances — a milestone that reflects his continued dominance in world soccer. His latest goal, a decisive strike against Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup, not only earned Miami its first win in the tournament, but also cemented his status as the club’s most influential player.

Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick to seal Inter Miami’s first-ever victory at the FIFA Club World Cup, beating FC Porto 2–1. It also marked the first win for an MLS team under the tournament’s new format.

Just minutes into the second half, Telasco Segovia blasted a shot past Porto keeper Cláudio Ramos after a great cross from Marcelo Weigandt. Then came the moment of brilliance: Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick goal, bending the ball perfectly into the net to give Inter Miami a 2–1 lead. Ramos couldn’t even get a hand on it.

Lionel Messi sparked concern at Inter Miami training after grabbing the back of his left leg and stepping out of drills. Although the discomfort raised alarm, Javier Mascherano confirmed the captain will start against Porto.

This game, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, carries far more weight than what the standings may initially suggest.

Inter Miami’s next opponent is FC Porto, led by Martín Anselmi, who left Cruz Azul under a cloud of controversy earlier this year. Like Miami, Porto started their Club World Cup with a scoreless draw, this one against Palmeiras.

Lionel Messi continues to dominate jersey sales in Major League Soccer. From January through May 2025, the Inter Miami star was once again the most popular player in the league, topping all other athletes in merchandise sales on MLSstore.com.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano will have to make changes in defense, with center backs David Martínez and Gonzalo Luján still injured. Midfielders David Ruiz and Yannick Bright remain out as well. Marcelo Weigandt and Ian Fray are likely to step in to cover key roles at the back.

The FIFA Club World Cup is already generating headlines in the United States, not just for its global matchups or record-breaking crowds, but due to a bizarre and unexpected controversy involving pitch conditions—and, surprisingly, Lionel Messi’s influence.

With the team struggling, Benjamin Cremaschi revealed what Lionel Messi told Inter Miami at halftime vs. Al Ahly in FIFA Club World Cup 2025

In the thrilling 0-0 FIFA Club World Cup 2025 opening game between Inter Miami and Al Ahly, coach Javier Mascherano made something clear about the final result.

With Lionel Messi as the star to take the spotlight, Inter Miami and Al Ahly will be opening the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Fans may come expecting goals, drama, and international rivalries, but they’ll also witness something far more sentimental: the last dance of players who helped define the modern game.

With 32 of the globe’s most storied clubs vying for supremacy, anticipation is surging. Among them are teams stacked with superstars—Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, and Erling Haaland will all feature—but none of their clubs has emerged as the clear favorite.

With Inter Miami and Al Ahly set to open the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, fans are wondering if they'll see legend Lionel Messi play.