Lionel Messi managed to score his 50th goal for Inter Miami and thus completed a 2-1 comeback against FC Porto in their FIFA Club World Cup Group A match that gave the MLS team their first-ever win in the competition.
Porto got off to a flying start in Atlanta after they were awarded a penalty that was checked by VAR for a hand by Noah Allen. Samu Aghehowa calmly slotted the penalty, but Inter Miami powered by Messi’s genius quickly turned the game around. Luis Suárez and Benjamin Cremaschi both came inches from scoring before Miami deservedly equalized two minutes after the break through Telasco Segovia, who wrapped up a beautiful team move with a powerful one-touch shot.
After seven minutes, Messi’s freekick which was his signature went in past Cláudio Ramos and the whole stadium went crazy. Porto tried hard to score a late goal, but Mascherano’s team were solid and held on to get a famous win thus remaining second in Group A behind Palmeiras.
Whereas in Group B, Paris Saint-Germain received a shocking 1-0 loss from Brazilian side Botafogo, thereby breaking their six-match winning streak. Kvaratskhelia was very active at the beginning and twice saw his shots saved, but Botafogo got the lead. Jesus took advantage of a counterattack and a deflection made Donnarumma no chance.
The Parisians did not give up and tried hard to score, with Lucas Beraldo and Bradley Barcola both coming close to scoring—Barcola’s goal disallowed for offside. Nevertheless, Botafogo’s staunch defense ensured a fifth consecutive win and put them at the top of a tightly contested Group B, with PSG and Atlético Madrid chasing them.
With the last round of matches ahead for both groups, the contest is still wide open with several places to the next stage available and the teams fighting for the glory of their name.
