Supervisor Javier Mascherano insists his Inter Miami facet can do “one thing wonderful” after Lionel Messi produced a second of magic because the MLS outfit got here from behind in opposition to Porto to choose up their first victory on the 2025 Membership World Cup.
Messi netted the winner in a 2-1 win together with his fiftieth membership purpose and 68th direct free-kick of his profession because the 37-year-old Argentine belied his age to dazzle in opposition to the Portuguese heavyweights.
Miami really feel behind to an early Samu Aghehowa penalty and trailed on the break. Nonetheless, the comeback started nearly instantly after the restart, with Telasco Segovia drilling residence the equaliser 90 seconds into the second-half.
The stage was then set for Messi and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner sparked jubilant scenes contained in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta seven minutes later when he curled residence a elegant free-kick from simply exterior the field to finish the turnaround.
Messi doing Messi issues – unreal free-kick! ⚽️
Get pleasure from it from each angle 👏👀
Watch the @fifacwc | June 14 – July 13 | Each Recreation | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MIAFCP pic.twitter.com/3qCHOEzF1d
— DAZN Soccer (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025
The consequence means Mascherano’s facet are on the point of progressing to the knockout part and the Miami boss couldn’t disguise his jubilation after the sport.
“The blokes did a incredible present,” Mascherano instructed DAZN. “They have been working actually, actually exhausting in opposition to a staff that has a variety of high quality.
“However at present we are able to present the world and to ourselves that we are able to compete in opposition to any staff.
“The gamers understood that they will do it, that they will work collectively. After we are collectively, we are able to do one thing wonderful.
“It’s nice for the folks of USA to see our staff competing in this type of match.”
Subsequent up for Mascherano, Messi and co. is a showdown with Brazilian facet Palmeiras, who earlier gained 2-0 in opposition to Al Ahly with Chelsea-bound teenager Estevao within the facet.
It means a draw on Tuesday morning (UK time) would see each groups qualify for the Spherical of 16, whereas victory for both facet would see them progress as group winners.
