LIONEL Messi's stunning free kick secured Inter Miami a 2-1 win over Porto in their Club World Cup Group A clash on Thursday, marking the first time a CONCACAF team has defeated a European side in an official FIFA tournament.

The Argentine great was pivotal as the Major League Soccer side bounced back from their disappointing goalless draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly in their opening match.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT:

Inter Miami's win over Porto boosts their chances of a deep run in a tournament designed to pit champion clubs from across the globe against one another. The competition is taking place in 12 stadiums across the United States.

After FIFA controversially granted Javier Mascherano's side a backdoor entry, Messi became front and center in the revamped competition, drawing crowds while continuing to elevate the sport in a country long lukewarm toward the world's game.

The result also offers a glimpse at how North and South American sides stack up against traditionally dominant European sides.

KEY QUOTES:

Inter Miami captain Messi: "It's a great joy. A lot of effort went into it, and we worked very well. I'm very happy. We were left with a bitter taste after the first match. We thought we could have won it.

"(In the free kick) I took advantage of the space left by the goalkeeper, who was standing still and not covering his post. I tried to score there.

"The other day (there were) nerves from a lot of young guys playing in such a significant competition. We've changed. We're going to compete, try to play our game. Today we were the inferior team, but we have our weapons. Next up is Palmeiras, which is a big club in the world. It's going to be another very difficult game."

Meanwhile, Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari credited Lionel Messi's presence for helping him settle in at the club after joining the team last September, having played alongside the Argentine great since youth level.

Ustari, who put in a stellar performance as the Major League Soccer side kicked off their Club World Cup campaign with a 0-0 draw against Egyptian side Al Ahly on Saturday, joined Inter Miami two months after his contract with Chilean team Audax Italiano expired.

He said the decision to reunite with Messi was influenced by the club’s ambitions and his long-standing friendship with his Argentine compatriot.

"I wasn't retired. I joined ... because I was attracted by the club's aspirations," the 38-year-old Ustari told Reuters in an interview.

"And obviously by sharing a squad with Leo again. And of course, Leo's presence on the team made everything easier."

Inter Miami, co-owned by David Beckham, earned a spot in the expanded Club World Cup after winning the MLS Supporters' Shield.

Ustari said he was delighted to be playing in the tournament after a career, which included stints in Spain, England, Mexico and Uruguay.

"Having the opportunity to play in a Club World Cup made us all very happy, especially in my case, given that I’m someone who has had an extensive career," he said. "It’s a reward for how well Inter Miami is doing things."

While the world eagerly anticipated seeing Messi and Luis Suarez in the opening match of the tournament, it was Ustari who stole the spotlight and was named 'Superior Player of the Match', after saving a penalty and blocking eight shots.

He said, however, that the credit belonged to his teammates.

"We were all part of that award for best player. Maybe saving a penalty gave me the opportunity to receive it, but there were some very high points from my teammates who could have also been awarded it," he said.

Ustari and Messi have shared a close friendship since playing together for Argentina’s youth teams over two decades ago, a bond that extended into their senior team careers.

They were in the same Argentina squad that won the 2005 Under-20 World Cup and clinched gold together at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Reflecting on their time together, Ustari said: "My memories with Leo are from youth training camps, the senior team, the titles we won, training sessions, etc."

He added that Messi's personality has remained unchanged, describing him as "affectionate, respectful, and always competitive."

"Because of who he is, he's achieved everything, and that's why he's the best player in the history of this sport."