Lionel Messi exemplified the notion of ‘class is permanent’ with an age-defying first-half performance for Inter Miami against Porto in the Club World Cup.
Miami fell behind after eight minutes when Samu Aghehowa scored from the penalty spot but it was the 37-year-old Argentine who continued to shine, twice creating good chances for his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez.
On both occasions, however, Suarez could only find the body of Claudio Ramos in the Porto goal.
The Portuguese outfit then hit the post shortly before the break to conclude what had been, save for several magical Messi moments, a rather lethargic half of football.
18′ BIG CHANCE! @InterMiamiCF come inches away from leveling, but Claudio Ramos steps up big time! 🧤
Watch the @FIFACWC | June 14 – July 13 | Every Game | Free | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb | #FIFACWC #TakeItToTheWorld #MIAFCP pic.twitter.com/xMwsuUkFrr
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) June 19, 2025
Despite a front-line boasting over 1,000 career goals, Inter Miami have failed to find the net in the competition so far.
With Palmeiras running out 2-0 winners against Al Ahly after an hour delay due to weather concerns, defeat for Messi and co. would put their chances of progressing to the knockout phase in serious jeopardy.
The MLS side would need to beat the Brazilian team in their final group game and do so by several goals in order to qualify for the Round of 16.
