Club World Cup: Miami wins against Porto thanks to Messi's free-kick goal

Lionel Messi led Inter Miami to their first victory at the Club World Cup in the USA with a stunning free kick. The world champion scored a stunning free kick to secure a 2-1 (0-1) victory in their second group match in Atlanta against top Portuguese club FC Porto. Miami's opening match had been held to a goalless draw by Al-Ahly of Cairo.

Spaniard Samu (8th minute) gave Porto an early lead with a penalty, and shortly after the break, Telasco Segovia equalized for Miami (47th minute). Then the exceptional talent struck: From around 20 meters out and in a central position, Messi curled the ball over the wall with his powerful left foot and into the opponent's goal.

At the group finale on Tuesday against the Brazilian club Palmeiras São Paulo, Miami has a good chance of reaching the round of 16 of the new XXL tournament.

The match between Palmeiras São Paulo and Al-Ahly (2-0) in East Rutherford had been interrupted for almost an hour due to impending storms. English referee Anthony Taylor ordered both teams to the dressing rooms with the score at 2-0. Fans were also asked to move indoors.

However, the threatening thunderstorm passed by MetLife Stadium, where next year's World Cup final will be held. Play was able to resume after about 50 minutes. The previous day, the match between RB Salzburg and CF Pachuca had been suspended for 99 minutes due to severe weather.