Lionel Messi scored his first FIFA Club World Cup goal in 2009.
Few things are as certain as the ball finding the back of the net when Lionel Messi lines up a free-kick from 20 yards.
Messi reminded the world, as if a reminder were needed, of his enduring ability to produce magic during Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup.
The 37-year-old’s free-kick was classic Messi; a trademark strike that left goalkeeper Claudio Ramos with no chance.
This is, of course, the same player who scored an astounding 73 goals in 60 appearances across all competitions during the 2011-12 season for Barcelona.
Positioned centrally on the edge of the D, the goal was at his mercy, yet Messi opted for the more challenging route – curving the ball over the wall and into the corner.
This strike, his 68th from a direct free-kick, showcased his immense experience and unwavering confidence.
Only Juninho Pernambucano (77) and Pelé (70) have scored more direct free-kicks than Messi.
“Touched by God, isn’t he? Incredible. What a player,” commented former Portugal defender José Fonte on Dazn.
“If you get a chance to see this guy live – you go and see him. This is what he does,” added ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given on Dazn.
“It’s almost like a penalty for him – he is so precise. He is a genius.
“You call him maestro, magician; the words run out.”
Messi’s goal, following a stunning strike by teammate Telasco Segovia, completed a comeback victory, putting Inter Miami in contention for a last-16 spot in the Club World Cup.
This marks the MLS franchise’s first-ever win in the competition, meaning a draw in their final Group A game against top-ranked Palmeiras would send both teams through.
Nearly two years after leaving Europe and Paris Saint-Germain for the MLS, Messi remains a leading figure in world football.
Messi has now scored 50 goals in 61 games for Inter Miami, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer, despite their relatively recent founding in 2018.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is no stranger to Club World Cup success, having scored six times in seven appearances.
During his Barcelona days, he scored five goals, including three in finals, winning the competition in 2009, 2011, and 2015 – just three of the many trophies in his illustrious career.
Messi has scored a remarkable 754 club-level goals and shows no signs of slowing down.
“He’s the greatest player in the world,” declared Inter Miami teammate Fafa Picault.
He is joint-second in the all-time Club World Cup goalscoring rankings alongside Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema with six goals, one shy of leader Cristiano Ronaldo (7).
No player completed more dribbles than Messi’s two at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, while he ranked fifth for most passes attempted (56).
“You can have a high pass completion rate, but not affect the game,” noted ex-Scotland midfielder Don Hutchison on Dazn.
“Lionel Messi does both; he influences the game, controls the game. He dictates to his teammates, he never gives the ball away.
“Lionel Messi still has those amazing feet. At 37, he’s still dancing through.”
Messi also had the third-most touches against Porto (70), behind only Sergio Busquets (85) and Porto’s Fábio Vieira (99).
Messi could celebrate his 38th birthday on Tuesday by securing a place in the next round of the Club World Cup.
With a blend of veteran players like Messi, Luis Suárez, Busquets, and Jordi Alba – all having given their best years to Barcelona – and younger American players, Inter Miami has set its sights high.
Thursday’s victory over Porto marked the first time an MLS team has defeated a European side in an official competition.
“Today we showed the world and ourselves that we can compete against any team,” manager Javier Mascherano told Dazn.
“It’s great for the people of the USA to see our team compete in this kind of tournament.”
Before this revamped Club World Cup, only one MLS team had participated. Seattle Sounders, also competing this year, reached the second round in 2022.
The Sounders, Inter Miami, and Los Angeles FC are all vying for success on home soil in the coming weeks.
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