Lionel Messi writes history with game‑winning free kick versus FC Porto with Inter Miami

Many saw it merely as another game, but Lionel Messi made it remarkable. Fans were not anticipating a moment that would go worldwide when Inter Miami played FC Porto in a friendly game on Wednesday, June 19, 2025.
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Messi did something only he can in the middle of a close match, and suddenly the audience was standing.
Lionel Messi scores stunning free kick winner against FC Porto in June 2025 match
Inter Miami welcomed FC Porto on Wednesday, June 19, 2025, at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, that evening. The score was tied at 2–2, and Lionel Messi was about to take a free kick from outside the box in the last few minutes of the game.
The breath of 20,000 in the stadium was that great silence having held a breath of anticipation, Messi struck over the wall into the roof of the net for the win.
Though his only aim for the evening was that, it was all Inter Miami needed. The final score was 3–2 with Messi's free kick securing the win.
Breaking still another record, this aim also made him the fastest player in football history to reach 866 career goals. The goal came in the last few minutes against a tough European side when the game was level; hence, once more Messi's reputation for game-winning goals is evident.
The supporters erupted in applause, and social media swiftly went viral for the strike. Fans from around the world started sharing the goal clip with the caption, 'Messi just reminding everyone if he wanted to, he could.'
Lionel Messi praised by fans and crowned Superior Player of the Match
Lionel Messi was named Superior Player of the Match after the final whistle. Even FC Porto players showed reverence; his colleagues hurried to hug him. Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino said after the match, 'That's what Messi does.
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One moment is enough.'
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Fans online celebrated the goal not only for its beauty but also for the timing and the opponent. One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, 'Scored a free kick goal… against a European giant… in a tight moment. That's the Messi we know.'
Many also compared the goal to his World Cup-winning performances, calling him the 'ultimate match winner.'
With this goal, Lionel Messi once again proved that even at 37, he's still writing history.

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