Messi's got his eyes set on adding to his impressive trophy collection before he hangs up his boots, with the MLS Cup in 2025 definitely on his radar. Plus, there’s another World Cup coming up next summer where he’ll be defending his title. Right now, he’s in the thick of it at the FIFA Club World Cup.
In his latest match, he delivered a jaw-dropping free-kick that soared straight into the top corner, helping Inter Miami snag a crucial 2-1 victory over Porto. After the game, Herons coach Javier Mascherano praised his legendary teammate, saying, “Beyond his goal... he’s a player who shows us how to compete. His hunger and desire to keep going, no matter the level, is inspiring.”
Mascherano also reflected on how Messi played a key role in leveling the playing field against Porto, who came into the match as clear favorites. He noted, “We all know there are hierarchies in football, and we were up against a top team with international players. But we believed that if we stuck to our plan, supported one another, and were brave enough to play, we could hold our own.”
When the crowd at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium started chanting his name, Messi answered back with that signature left-footed shot that sailed past the Porto wall and into the net in the 54th minute.
After a frustrating goalless draw with Al Ahly in their tournament opener, this win really puts Miami in a solid spot to advance to the knockout stages.
“It was a great team effort,” Messi told DAZN. “We not only defended well but also managed the ball effectively. We had a bitter taste in our mouths after the game against Al Ahly. This victory is crucial, and we’re going to savor it.”
He continued, “It’s clear we want to compete; we faced a strong team, and yeah, we let the first half slip a bit. The young guys were a little jumpy, playing in this competition for the first time.”
At halftime, Inter Miami was down 1-0 after Samu Aghehowa scored from the penalty spot early on, following a video review. But after the break, goals from Telasco Segovia and Messi turned the tide and clinched the win, putting Miami level on four points with Palmeiras at the top of their group.
“What I told them at halftime was to lift their spirits,” Mascherano shared. “We had shown we could compete, and honestly, at that point, I wasn’t too worried about the result. What mattered to me was proving we could play well, with and without the ball. They got it together, and in the end, it turned into a fantastic afternoon for us.”
blogpay
Total Comments: 0