Player Ratings: Inter Miami defeat Porto at the FIFA Club World Cup

While the pros and cons of the FIFA Club World Cup continue to be discussed, Inter Miami broke records in their second game of the revamped tournament. Facing Portuguese giants FC Porto, Inter Miami secured a 2-1 comeback win in Atlanta. With the victory, they have boosted their chances of qualifying for the knockout stage. 

The match began on a strong note for FC Porto, with waves of attack earning them a penalty in the eighth minute. Following a VAR review, Noah Allen was adjudged to have caught João Mário with a late challenge inside the box. Aghehowa stepped up and found the bottom left corner, despite the goalkeeper getting a hand to the ball. 

Inter Miami increased their pressing in the second half, putting FC Porto on the back foot. Telasco Segovia met Marcelo Weigandt’s cross in the second minute of the half, leveling the score. Then came Lionel Messi. After the Herons earned a free-kick, Messi used his magical left foot to beat goalkeeper Cláudio Ramos with a trademark finish in the 54th minute.

Despite FC Porto registering 14 shots as they searched for an equalizer, Inter Miami held firm to claim all three points. This marks the second major upset of the tournament, following Real Madrid’s draw against Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal. Later in the day, Paris Saint-Germain were stunned by Botafogo.

Inter Miami Player Ratings: 

• Oscar Ustari - 7.0
• Noah Allen - 6.8 
• Maxi Falcón -7.5 
• Ian Fray - 7.4 
• Marcelo Weigandt - 7.9 
• Telasco Segovia - 8.0
• Sergio Busquets - 7.8 
• Benjamin Cremaschi - 7.5 
• Tadeo Allende - 6.6 
• Luis Suárez - 7.6 
• Lionel Messi - 8.5 

Substitutes: Tomas Aviles - 6.2, Federico Redondo - 6.5, Jordi Alba - 6.2, Fafa Picault - 6.2

FC Porto Player Ratings:

• Claudio Ramos - 6.1 
• Ivan Marcano - 6.2 
• Ze Pedro - 5.9 
• Martim Fernandes - 6.4
• Francisco Moura - 6.4 
• Fabio Vieira - 7.3
• Alan Varela - 6.2
• Joao Mario - 7.5
• Gabriel Veiga - 6.5
• Samuel Aghehowa - 7.3 
• Rodrigo Mora - 7 

Substitutes: Goncalo Borges - 6.5, Stephen Eustáquio - 6, William Gomes- 6, Otavio - N/A, Deniz Gül - N/A