Messi leads Inter Miami to 2-1 win over Porto at FIFA Club World Cup

Lionel Messi scored his first goal of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup on an exquisite free kick, lifting Inter Miami to a 2-1 win over two-time European champions Porto on Thursday.

The Herons trailed 1-0 at the break, but Telasco Segovia leveled the contest two minutes into the second half off Marcelo Weigandt's cross into the box.

37-year-old Argentinian legend Messi then added a trademark goal to a résumé that long ago ensured he will go down as one of the greatest stars in football history.

Samu Omorodion converted a penalty kick in the opening minutes after a video review, netting the Portuguese side's first goal of the tournament.

Both teams had been held to scoreless draws in their Group A openers.

Messi was taken down just outside the penalty area by Rodrigo Mora on a run down the middle of the field. The crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium was chanting "Messi! Messi! Messi!" well before his left-footed blast cleared the Porto wall and ripped into the top right corner of the net in the 54th minute.

Inter Miami will return to action in South Florida on Monday, knowing a victory over Brazil's Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium would lock up a spot in the round of 16.

Porto, in desperate need of a win, will close out the group stage against Egypt's Al-Ahly at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Palmeiras benefit from own goal in 2-0 win against Al-Ahly

Palmeiras benefited from an own goal by Al-Ahly's Wessam Abou Ali, and secured a 2-0 win on a strike from Jose Lopez before thunderstorms stalled play in their Club World Cup game at MetLife Stadium.

Both teams had opportunities once the match resumed after a 50-minute weather delay, but Al-Ahly could not overcome their defensive struggles.

Abou Ali headed the ball into his side's net just minutes into the second half. The own goal started an offensive surge for Palmeiras, who pulled further away in the 59th minute on Lopez's insurance effort. He blasted a left-footed shot from the center of the box into the bottom right corner, following a perfectly-placed pass from Maurício.

Weather delayed the game a few minutes later. The approximately 35,000 fans in attendance were ordered to take shelter before eventually returning to their seats ahead of the restart.

Four yellow cards were handed out in the first half. In the 38th minute, Raphael Veiga of Palmeiras received a red that was downgraded to yellow following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check. Teammate Agustin Giay was also whistled for a yellow. Yahya Attiat Allah and Hamdy Fathy were booked for Al-Ahly.