When there's Lionel Messi, there's hope: Messi's free-kick seals Miami's win in Club World Cup

The MLS underdogs have created history, securing their first-ever Club World Cup win by stunning European giants Porto 2-1. Who was the architect of this magical comeback? That little genius from Rosario, of course.

Lionel Messi lit up the Club World Cup with a trademark free-kick that sealed the most important win in Inter Miami's short history. Porto had taken the lead through a soft penalty inside 10 minutes — one that needed a VAR review and frankly shouldn't have been given. But this is why you never write off a team with Messi even if they have tons of issues.

Telasco Segovia drew Miami level early in the second half with a brilliant finish after Weigandt's cutback from the right. Then the moment of magic arrived. Just before the hour mark, Messi placed a brilliant free-kick into the top corner for what proved to be the winner. Vintage stuff.

Coach Javier Mascherano had made two changes from their previous game, with Cremaschi starting instead of Redondo in midfield alongside Busquets and Weigandt started as RB, Fray moved to RCB & Aviles was benched.

Messi and perfectly-struck free-kicks remain one of the most beautiful sights in football. His latest brilliant effort and performance was the catalyst for a second-half comeback.

Any Porto supporter would have held their breath when Messi earned the set-piece himself, colliding with Ze Pedro just outside the penalty area. The ball was positioned centrally on the edge of the D. A nightmare for any goalkeeper. Porto keeper Claudio Ramos, who knew Messi had a clear view of both corners.

Messi chose his right, curling a precise left-footed strike into the top corner, beyond Ramos' despairing lunge. It's worthy of repeated watching. This was his 68th career free-kick goal, and since January 2018, he's scored more free-kicks than penalties. Absolutely incredible.

Despite injury concerns and the fact he turns 38 next week, Messi was sharp from the start. Everything Miami did well went through this man. Once again, he was their best player. Relying so much on one player — even one as world class as Messi — has its downsides. But when he is still capable of producing moments of magic like this, it's hard to argue with the "Give it to Leo" approach. Remember, Miami have tactical weakness and lack of quality compared to other big teams in the tournament

Even with Messi, a five-year-old MLS club isn't supposed to take down a Champions League club like Porto, who has rich history and pedigree. But here we are.

The win puts Miami on four points, level with Palmeiras, while Porto and Al Ahly sit on just one point each. All four teams have played two of their three group matches.

Miami now face Palmeiras while Porto meet Al Ahly on Monday, June 23. The top two from Group A progress to the 16-team knockout phase, and suddenly Miami's dream is very much alive.

Yet for all of Messi's brilliance, Porto's performance was disappointing. Martin Anselmi's side, just like in their opening goalless draw against Palmeiras, were slow in possession and lacked ideas in the final third. Only Samu Aghehowa provided a bright spot, converting the penalty and injecting rare energy into an otherwise lacklustre display.

But let's be honest, this night belonged to Messi. At 37, turning 38 next week, he's still producing moments that make you believe in football magic. And for Inter Miami, that magic might just carry them further than anyone ever imagined.