Inter Miami surprisingly defeated Porto 2-1 this Wednesday in the Club World Cup, and now have good chances in Group A to advance to the round of 16.
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In the same group, Palmeiras from Brazil defeated Al Ahly from Egypt 2-0 and finished first in the group alongside the team from South Florida.
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How did Inter Miami got this victory?
The MLS team boosted their chances of advancing to the round of 16 thanks to a stunning free-kick goal by Leo Messi, his 50th goal with the Florida team, in the 54th minute.
Despite taking the lead in the 8th minute through Samu, on a VAR penalty that was heavily protested by the Americans, the Portuguese team left much to be desired with their performance at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Inter turned the match around in the resumption with Telasco Segovia and Messi’s magnificent shot.
Despite the physical wear and tear, Javier Mascherano’s team held onto the score, while Porto missed good opportunities during their final assault to have tied the game.
According to Marca, with this goal by Messi he reached 68 and is now 9 away from Brazilian Juninho Pernambucano as the top free-kick goal scorer in the history of football. Pelé is in second place with 70 goals.
The Palmeiras match was suspended
Palmeiras, which started as the favorite of the group, secured the victory against Al Ahly in a match marked by a 40-minute suspension due to the threat of an electrical storm at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
By then, Palmeiras, champion of the Copa Libertadores in 2020 and 2021, was already winning 2-0 with goals from Abou Ali and Flaco López in the 49th and 59th minute. The Brazilian team will face Inter Miami in the last matchday on Monday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. A draw qualifies both teams for the round of 16.