In case anyone needed reminding, Lionel Messi proved once again why he’s considered one of the greatest of all time. The 37-year-old delivered a moment of magic during Inter Miami’s 2-1 comeback win over Porto at the FIFA Club World Cup.
His goal — a sublime free-kick from just outside the box — was classic Messi: effortless, precise, unstoppable. Positioned centrally at the edge of the D, he chose the more difficult route, curling the ball over the wall and into the goalkeeper’s corner. Claudio Ramos could only watch as it sailed past him.
It was Messi’s 68th direct free-kick goal — a mark bettered only by Juninho Pernambucano (77) and the legendary Pelé (70). But stats only tell part of the story. This is the same player who once netted 73 goals in a single season (2011-12) for Barcelona — and he continues to create brilliance wherever he plays.
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Former Portugal defender José Fonte summed it up perfectly on DAZN: “Touched by God, isn’t he? Incredible. What a player.”
Shay Given added: “If you get the chance to see this guy live, you take it. For him, free-kicks are nearly like penalties — he’s that precise. He’s a genius.”
The goal followed an earlier strike from Telasco Segovia, sealing a comeback victory and keeping Inter Miami’s hopes alive. It was the club’s first-ever win in the tournament and means a draw in their final Group A match against Palmeiras will see both teams through to the last 16.
For Messi, it was just another night of magic — for the rest of us, a reminder that legends never fade.