Lionel Messi, 37, continues to do what he does best on a football pitch. Messi scored a magical free-kick goal against FC Porto in the Club World Cup, to help Inter Miami register a 2-1 win on Thursday. In the 53rd minute, with game in the balance at 1-1, Messi was taken down just outside the penalty area by Rodrigo Mora.

The Argentine then put the ball in the back of the net to send the crowd at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium in a frenzy. 

The Herons had played a goalless draw against Egyptian team Al Ahly in their tournament’s opener on Saturday but this win puts them in a commanding position to reach the knockout stages.

“It was a great effort from the whole team,” Messi told DAZN. “Not only did we defend, but we managed the ball well. We had a sour taste after the game against Al Ahly. This is a very important victory, and we’ll enjoy it.

“It is being seen that we want to compete; we competed against a good team, and here and there we gave away the first half. The young guys had nerves playing in this competition for the first time.”

Meanwhile, Samu Aghehowa scored from a spot kick to put the Portuguese club in front in the eighth minute. However, after the break, Telasco Segovia equalized for the American club.

Miami head coach Javier Mascherano showered praise on Lionel Messi’s hunger and resilience after a memorable win.

“[Messi] is the player that leads us in the ways we have to compete,” Miami head coach Javier Mascherano told reporters. “His hunger, his resilience, his will to go on competing, at whatever level that may be.

“In football terms, what else can I add? He’s the best player ever to play this sport. But his determination to win is always surprising.

“Today, he was tired and hurt in the last few minutes, but continued to help the team get the result. Having him gives us an advantage.”

Inter Miami will next take on Palmeiras on Monday.