Lionel Messi

USA, Jun 19 (PL) Supported by an excellent free kick by Argentine Lionel Messi, the U.S. club Inter of Miami defeated Portugal's Porto today 2-1 in the World Club Soccer Championship.

Spanish striker Samuel Omorodion converted a penalty in the eighth minute for the Portuguese, but Venezuelan Telasco Segovia (47th) and Messi (54th) turned the score around.

Earlier, Brazil's Palmeiras overcame Al Ahly of Egypt 2-0 in East Rutherford to reach four points and top Group A.

Later in the day, the second matches in Group B will be played, with Seattle Sounders (USA)-Atletico Madrid (Spain) and Paris Saint Germain (France)-Botafogo (Brazil).

At the moment, the French and Brazilians are in the lead with three points after winning their first matches.