Mascherano’s tactics and Messi’s magic lead Inter Miami to historic Club World Cup win

This report covers Lionel Messi’s game-winning free kick that secured Inter Miami’s first-ever Club World Cup title on June 20, 2025, highlighting his record 866th career goal and the crucial tactical role played by Javier Mascherano, Benjamin Cremaschi, and Sergio Busquets in overcoming FC Porto.

Sources:
IndiatodayTheweekTimesofindia+4
Updated 2h ago
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Sources: IndiatodayFotmobGoal+1
Inter Miami clinched a historic Club World Cup victory over FC Porto, powered by Lionel Messi’s magic and Javier Mascherano’s tactical acumen.

The MLS side, once bottom-ranked, has seen a remarkable transformation since Messi’s arrival, culminating in their first-ever Club World Cup win and the first CONCACAF triumph over a European club in official FIFA competition.

"Messi made headlines once again after his free-kick gave Inter Miami their first-ever Club World Cup victory, beating Porto 2-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium," highlighting his clutch performance.

Mascherano’s strategic approach emphasized pragmatism and control over chaos, enabling Miami to withstand Porto’s pressure despite being outshot.

"On Thursday, his side ditched dominance for pragmatism, picked control over chaos. And even though they were outshot by a good Porto side, the way that the Argentine set up his side gave - and handed him his biggest moment in club management," noted analysts.

Messi’s influence extended beyond scoring; he orchestrated key plays, creating multiple chances and finishing with the highest expected assists.

"Messi started the move with an angled ball down the right. He created two chances, finished the game with more expected assists than any other player, and, of course, rounded it off with a free kick for the ages," underscoring his all-around impact.

This victory not only cements Messi’s legacy but also marks a milestone for Inter Miami and CONCACAF football on the global stage.

The synergy between Mascherano’s tactics and Messi’s brilliance proved decisive in this landmark achievement.
Sources: IndiatodayFotmobGoal+1
Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi’s free-kick brilliance and Javier Mascherano’s tactical mastery, secured a historic Club World Cup victory over FC Porto, marking the first CONCACAF team win against a European club in an official FIFA competition. Messi’s leadership transformed Miami’s fortunes, highlighted by his match-winning goal.
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The Headline

Messi and Mascherano lead Inter Miami to Club World Cup win

Key Facts
  • Messi significantly improved Inter Miami's performance after joining the then-bottom-ranked MLS side, leading them to drastically improved results and silverware in club competitions.Theweek
  • On June 20, 2025, Messi scored a stunning free-kick in the Club World Cup final against FC Porto, securing a 3-2 victory for Inter Miami.TimesofindiaIndiatodayTheweek
  • Messi's free-kick goal marked his 866th career goal, making him the fastest player to reach this milestone.Timesofindia
  • Messi was named Superior Player of the Match after the final whistle, with even FC Porto players showing reverence and his teammates rushing to hug him.Timesofindia
  • Javier Mascherano's tactical adjustments and key performances from Benjamin Cremaschi and Sergio Busquets were pivotal in Inter Miami's Club World Cup win.Goal
Messi delivered once again for Inter Miami, in their Club World Cup Group A clash on June 20. The result marked a historic moment, as it became the first time a CONCACAF team defeated a European club in an official FIFA competition.
Indiatoday
Indiatoday
Having gone a goal down in the eighth minute, the MLS side equalised in the 47th minute through Telasco Segavio before Messi netted a direct free kick goal seven minutes later to give Inter Miami a match-winning lead.
Theweek
Theweek
On Thursday, his side ditched dominance for pragmatism, picked control over chaos. And even though they were outshot by a good Porto side, the way that the Argentine set up his side gave - and handed him his biggest moment in club management.
Goal
Goal
In a thrilling friendly match against FC Porto on June 19, 2025, Lionel Messi scored a stunning free-kick in the final minutes, securing a 3-2 victory for Inter Miami.
Timesofindia
Timesofindia
Messi made headlines once again after his free-kick gave Inter Miami their first-ever Club World Cup victory, beating Porto 2-1 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Fotmob
Fotmob
Key Stats at a Glance
Final score of Inter Miami vs FC Porto
3-2 victory
Timesofindia
Messi's 866th career goal milestone
866th career goal
Timesofindia
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Background Context

Messi and Ronaldo's rivalry and mutual respect

Key Facts
  • Messi and Ronaldo have won a combined 13 Ballon d'Or awards and dominated football from 2008 to 2017, rewriting history in the sport.3FotmobRepublicworld
  • Messi scored 666 goals in 765 matches for FC Barcelona, while Ronaldo scored 450 goals in 438 matches for Real Madrid during their La Liga rivalry peak.Republicworld
  • Messi clarified there is no personal animosity or friendship with Ronaldo, emphasizing mutual respect and that their competition was only on the pitch.4IndiatodayFotmob+1
Key Stats at a Glance
Combined Ballon d'Or awards of Messi and Ronaldo
13 Ballon d'Or awards
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Messi's goals and matches for FC Barcelona
666 goals in 765 matches
Ronaldo's goals and matches for Real Madrid
450 goals in 438 matches
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