Former Argentina international Angel Di Maria had nothing but praise for Lionel Messi after witnessing the superstar’s stunning free-kick goal in Inter Miami’s 2-1 victory over Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage. The match saw Messi scoring the winning goal in the second half, breaking the 1-1 deadlock with a magnificent strike.
Inter Miami had previously settled for a goalless draw in their opening game against Al-Ahly in the Club World Cup. Things took a turn for the worse as they fell behind 1-0 to Porto in the first half. However, Telasco Segovia managed to level the score in the second half, setting the stage for Messi’s heroics. With a trademark free-kick reminiscent of his glory days at Barcelona, Messi secured the 2-1 victory for the Herons, marking a historic moment as the first time an MLS side defeated a European club in a global tournament.
Following the game, Messi took to Instagram to celebrate the hard-fought victory and congratulate his teammates, expressing his happiness and determination to keep pushing forward. His compatriot Angel Di Maria, who had shared the pitch with Messi in 113 games for Argentina, lauded him as the best in history with a simple yet powerful comment on Messi’s post.
Di Maria, who retired from the Argentina national team after their triumph in the 2024 Copa America final, recognized Messi’s exceptional talent and impact on the game. The duo had combined for 13 goals during their time together on the national team, showcasing their chemistry and skill on the field.
In a post-match interview with DSports, Messi reflected on his iconic rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo, emphasizing his respect and admiration for the Portuguese star’s career and competitiveness. Despite their on-field battles, Messi highlighted the mutual respect between them off the pitch, acknowledging Ronaldo’s enduring success at the highest level of the game.
Looking ahead, Messi and Inter Miami are set to face Palmeiras in their final Club World Cup group stage match, with the Argentine aiming to lead his team to further success in the tournament. Additionally, Messi will be striving to guide Inter Miami to MLS Cup glory this year after their triumph in the Supporters’ Shield last season.
As the footballing world continues to marvel at Messi’s brilliance and legacy, the Argentine maestro remains focused on achieving greatness both on and off the pitch. With his unparalleled talent and dedication, Messi continues to inspire fans and peers alike, leaving a lasting impact on the sport of football.
