Inter Miami 2-1 FC Porto Player Ratings: Messi Rated 8.5/10 As His Stunning Freekick Powers MLS Side To 1st Club World Cup Win

Inter Miami picked up a hard-fought 2-1 win over FC Porto in their second FIFA Club World Cup 2025 game on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at the Mercedes-Benz Arena, Atlanta. Samu Aghehowa gave Porto an early lead, but goals from Telasco Segovia and a Lionel Messi free kick inspired the MLS side to get all three points.

The Inter Miami vs Porto match started with a bang. Lionel Messi tried to take control early and even set up some promising chances for Inter Miami. But it was FC Porto who found the breakthrough in the 8th minute. Samu Aghehowa powerfully converted a penalty, helping his team take a crucial lead in the Club World Cup game. Porto came close to doubling the lead, having a shot saved off the line and hitting the bar towards the end of the first half.

Inter Miami came out all guns blazing in the second half. Telasco Segovia gave them the equalizer in the 47th minute with a smashing finish from inside the box. Then Lionel Messi stepped up. He struck a perfect 54th-minute free-kick to make it 2-1 and help Inter Miami complete a memorable comeback against Porto and secure their first-ever victory at the Club World Cup.

Here are the Inter Miami vs Porto Player Ratings.

Inter Miami Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Oscar Ustari - 7/10

Ustari almost saved the penalty, getting his grasp on it. He was instinctive with a few sharp saves in the first half, frustrating the visitors and keeping his side in the game.

Defenders

Marcelo Weigandt - 7.5/10

The Argentine was aggressive and proactive with his defending, winning a lot of key duels. Neutralized a lot of attacks and then played a brilliant cross for Segovia's goal.

Ian Fray - 6/10

Fray was a bit shaky against Aghehowa, being outwitted by him on a few occasions. Recovered as the match progressed, being sturdier in second half.

Maximiliano Falcon - 7.5/10

The 28-year-old was a commanding defensive leader, winning back possession many times. Made a huge goal-saving block in the first half.

Noah Allen - 4.5/10

Allen sloppily gave away the penalty with a poor foul. Failed to stop much of Porto's attacks and lost more duels than he won.

Midfielders

Sergio Busquets - 7.5/10

The veteran midfielder was a sturdy shield for his backline. Busquets provided a lot of defensive steel by winning duels and making tackles, as well as passing the ball forward sharply.

Benjamin Cremaschi - 6.5/10

A proactive figure in the midfield, winning a lot of defensive challenges and pressing the opponents well. Had a nice shot saved in the first half.

Tadeo Allende - 5/10

Allende provided some decent defensive cover. But he struggled going forward, failing to create much or get that involved.

Telasco Segovia - 8/10

Segovia had a quiet first half but his movement troubled the Porto defenders. Got in the perfect place to smash a top corner goal to get his side back in the game.

Forwards

Lionel Messi -8.5/10

The Argentine legend was influential in the win. Constantly pushed his side forward with brilliant passes and created several chances. Then scored a brilliant free kick to seal the comeback.

Luis Suarez - 5/10

Suarez was sloppy and slow in key moments. Wasted a few big chances in the first half and was unable to do much special after the break.

Substitutes

Tomas Avilas - 6/10

Avilas added more defensive resolve to his side, winning some key duels late on.

Federico Redondo - 6.5/10

Redondo helped add more energy for his side, being precise with his passing and helping out defensively.

Jordi Alba - 6/10

Alba added more mobility on the left side and restricted a lot of Porto's attacks.

Fabrice Picault - N/R

Missed a crucial chance in stoppage time.

Manager

Javier Mascherano - 7/10

Masherano failed to get a strong start from his side, as they were sloppy and lethargic in the first half. But his half-time talk worked wonders, as they fought with more intensity and crawled their way back to make the comeback.

Porto Player Ratings

Goalkeeper

Claudio Ramos - 5/10

Ramos' positioning for the equalizer was a bit poor, as he couldn't react quick enough. Couldn't do much for Messi's perfect goal.

Defenders

Martim Fernandes - 5.5/10

The 19-year-old had a bright start and won a lot of key duels in the first half. But a lapse in concentration saw him lose Telasco's marker for his goal.

Ze Pedro - 5/10

Ze Pedro made some nice clearances, but he struggled to maintain a compact backline. Couldn't mark Telasco for his goal and lost too many duels.

Ivan Marcano - 6/10

Merco was a bit slow to react to some of Inter Miami's attacks. He won a few nice challenges, but could've done better to stop the cross for the equalizer.

Joao Mario - 7/10

The 25-year-old was a sharp figure on the right for his side. He won most of the duels and stopped Miami from creating much, but couldn't create much himself.

Francisco Moura - 4.5/10

Moura struggled against Inter Miami's overload of attacks down his side. He was caught out on many occasions and totally outwitted for the equalizer.

Midfielders

Alan Varela - 6/10

Varela was sharp with his passing and even struck the post with a powerful effort in the first half. But he struggled to mark Messi properly or provide much defensive cover.

Fabio Vieira - 6/10

Vieira was impressive with his passing and close control, moving his side forward with clever passes. Lost out on some defensive duels on occasions.

Forwards

Gabriel Veiga - 5/10

Veiga made some nice runs with the ball, but his final product was unconvincing. Couldn't really create any major chances before being taken off.

Rodrigo Mora - 7/10

Rodrigo Mora, a Portuguese teenager, was a breath of fresh air with his dribbles and forward runs. Created some nice chances and had a shot saved off the line.

Samuel Aghehowa - 7/10

Aghehowa powerfully converted his early penalty to give his side a lead. Won quite a few duels, and his shooting attempts were mixed, having some shots saved and some off-target. Missed a few late chances.

Substitutes

Stephen Eustaquio - 5/10

Passed the ball around nicely, but failed to create anything big.

Goncalo Borges - 5.5/10

Borges moved around nicely, but could not really set up anything major for his side.

William Gomes - 5.5/10

Had a shot go wide and failed to add anything apart from that.

Otavio - N/R

Deniz Gul - N/R

Manager

Martin Anselmi - 5/10

Anselmi had his side start with a lot of energy and intensity, putting the MLS side under pressure. But being unable to take chances properly cost them and his players' inability to maintain a strong three-man defensive line helped Miami make the comeback. His substitutes failed to deliver.

Sportsdunia's Man of the Match goes to Lionel Messi.