Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi says the win over FC Porto has them over the disappointment after the opening day draw with Al Ahly at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
The Argentina legend netted a stunning free-kick to secure a 2-1 comeback win over the Portuguese giants as they moved level with Palmeiras on three points after they beat Al Ahly 2-0.
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Messi felt the 0-0 draw could have been a win over the Red Devils at Hard Rock Stadium last week but the feeling is overwhelming to keep their knockout chances alive.
“It’s an overwhelming joy,” Messi told DAZN. “The team worked brilliantly. We didn’t just defend; we controlled the ball well.”
“I am happy that we won against Porto, because we felt bitter after the first match [against Al Ahly] – we thought we could have won, but winning against Porto is very important for us, and we will enjoy it.
“We want to compete, and today we faced a strong European team. We played a great match. We will try to continue and repeat our performance.”
Messi once again caught global attention with his stunning strike yesterday and while he stated he took advantage of a goalkeeping error, they must now focus on a major challenge against one of the strongest South American sides in the competition.
With Botafogo earning a historic win over European champions Paris Saint-Germain this morning, it offers further credence to the challenge that lies ahead for Javier Mascherano’s side.
“I saw that the goalkeeper was standing a little bit in the middle, and the ball was close to the goal,” he continued.
“It was difficult for it to pass over the crossbar, so I took advantage of the goalkeeper’s position, as he wasn’t covering his post much, and I tried to shoot from there.
“We know that we are inferior to Palmeiras, but we have a high fighting spirit. It will be a very difficult match.”
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