Lionel Messi scored a fine free-kick as Inter Miami came from behind to beat Porto 2-1 in Atlanta and get their first win of the Club World Cup.
Inter Miami – held to a goalless draw by Egyptian side Al Ahly in their opening Group A fixture at Hard Rock Stadium – recovered after falling behind to an early penalty from Porto forward Samu Aghehowa.
The Major League Soccer outfit were back on level terms just two minutes into the second half when Venezuela midfielder Telasco Segovia fired home from Marcelo Weigandt’s cross.
Messi completed the turnaround in the 53rd minute when he curled a 20-yard free-kick into the top corner.
Palmeiras had earlier beaten Al Ahly 2-0 at the MetLife Stadium, with the game interrupted during the second half because of the threat of lightning in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The Brazilians had seen forward Raphael Veiga shown a straight red card by English referee Anthony Taylor in the 37th minute following a high challenge on Al Ahly winger Zizo.
However, after being advised to review the incident on the pitchside monitor, Taylor changed his decision to issue only a yellow card.
Palmeiras broke the deadlock three minutes into the second half through an own goal when Al Ahly forward Wessam Abou Ali headed a deep free-kick into the top corner of his own net before substitute Flaco Lopez broke clear to double the lead just ahead of the hour.
With thunderstorms looming, the players were soon signalled to come off as the match was suspended in the 63rd minute.
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A notice was displayed on the stadium’s big screen, directing all spectators to leave the seated bowl area and take shelter inside “for your safety” because of “severe weather in the area”.
Following a delay of around 45 minutes, with the weather conditions improved, play was able to continue.
Palmeiras went on to close out a first win – which puts them level on four points with Inter Miami ahead of their final group game at the Hard Rock Stadium on June 24.
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