Lionel Messi delivered a moment of pure magic at the FIFA Club World Cup, scoring a stunning free-kick that secured a 2-1 comeback victory for Inter Miami against Porto. The goal, reminiscent of his many spectacular strikes throughout his illustrious career, not only propelled Inter Miami to a historic win but also served as a reminder of Messi's enduring brilliance.

The match, held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Thursday, saw Porto take an early lead through a Samu Aghehowa penalty following a VAR review. Inter Miami struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, managing only a handful of touches inside Porto's penalty area. However, the team emerged with renewed energy after the break.

Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia leveled the score just two minutes into the second half, latching onto a cross from Marcelo Weigandt and firing the ball into the top corner. The equalizer injected fresh impetus into Inter Miami's attack, setting the stage for Messi's game-winning intervention.

The pivotal moment arrived when Luis Suarez was fouled on the edge of Porto's penalty area. With the crowd chanting his name, Messi stepped up to take the free-kick. The Argentine maestro curled a sublime set-piece into the top right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. The stadium erupted in celebration as Messi's brilliance turned the game on its head.

This goal marked Messi's first-ever FIFA Club World Cup goal for Inter Miami and his 68th career free-kick. More importantly, it secured a historic win for the Major League Soccer (MLS) side, marking the first time a CONCACAF team has defeated European opposition in a competitive match at the Club World Cup.

"I took advantage of the space the goalkeeper left me," Messi explained after the match. "Very happy because we were left with a bitter taste in our mouths after the first game." Inter Miami had previously been held to a scoreless draw in their opening Group A match, adding extra significance to this victory.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano praised his team's performance and Messi's leadership. "We were working really, really hard against a team that have a lot of quality and a high level, but today, we showed to the world and to ourselves that we can compete against any team," Mascherano said. "[Messi] is the player that leads us in the ways we have to compete."

The win lifts Inter Miami to second place in Group A with four points from one win and one draw, trailing Brazil's Palmeiras only on goal difference. Porto and Al Ahly follow with one point each. Inter Miami will host group leader Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium on June 23 in their final group fixture.