Inter Miami’s Noah Allen made a significant comeback from an early blunder to help secure a surprising victory over Porto in the Club World Cup on Thursday. The match became memorable for a stunning free kick by Lionel Messi in the 54th minute, which lifted the spirits of 30,000 fans and propelled the Herons closer to the knockout stages of the tournament.
While Messi’s stellar performance drew significant attention, head coach Javier Mascherano praised the contributions of Miami’s younger players, specifically Noah Allen, Ian Fray, and Benjamin Cremaschi. After an initial struggle in their opening match against Al Ahly, the trio demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill against a formidable Porto side that boasted a squad worth over $100 million.
21-year-old Allen from Pembroke Pines showed tenacity at left back, recovering from an early mistake to perform well throughout the game. Cremaschi, who is just 20 and from Key Biscayne, impressed by excelling in multiple positions. Fray, at 22, having battled multiple injuries in recent years, played a crucial role in limiting Porto’s potent attacking threats to just one goal—scored via a penalty.
Despite concerns about the impact of MLS salary caps on the team’s competitiveness, Mascherano emphasized the importance of these homegrown players. Their performance suggested that Miami’s academy, established only in 2019, was beginning to yield notable talent capable of competing on an international stage.
Mascherano highlighted the academy’s role in building great teams, stating that real belonging comes from local players who understand the club’s values. Inter Miami made history by becoming the first MLS team to defeat a European opponent in an official competition, marking a key milestone in their journey.
This victory serves as a hopeful sign that even amidst roster challenges, local talent can step up and shine. With their young players thriving, the future looks bright for Inter Miami, proving that resilience and homegrown talent can triumph at the highest levels of competition.