Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated reunion with former club Paris Saint-Germain ended in disappointment as Inter Miami CF were handed a crushing 4-0 defeat in the Round of 16 clash of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Facing the club where he spent two seasons before joining Major League Soccer, Messi was largely kept quiet by a disciplined PSG side that showed no signs of sentiment. The French champions delivered a clinical performance to secure their spot in the quarter-finals, leaving Inter Miami and their Argentine talisman with no answers.
PSG, fresh off a 2-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC, came into the match full of confidence. Head coach Luis Enrique fielded a strong lineup, with João Neves emerging as the star of the night. Neves opened the scoring in the 6th minute with a powerful header off a Vitinha cross and added a second goal in the 39th minute after a swift attacking move involving Bradley Barcola and Fabián Ruiz.
Just before the break, Inter Miami’s hopes were further dashed when a low cross from Désiré Doué deflected off defender Tomás Avilés and into his own net, giving PSG a commanding 3-0 lead. Achraf Hakimi sealed the win in stoppage time with a composed finish following an assist from Barcola.
Despite Inter Miami creating a few moments of promise, Messi — who had two attempts on goal — was unable to find his rhythm or breach his former teammates’ defense. PSG’s backline, marshalled by Marquinhos and Willian Pacho, effectively neutralised the Argentine icon’s presence throughout the game.
PSG’s João Neves was named Man of the Match for his standout midfield display, while Ousmane Dembélé made a welcome return from injury, replacing Neves in the second half.
With this commanding victory, PSG advanced to the quarter-finals, where they will meet the winner of the FC Bayern Munich vs Flamengo fixture. Meanwhile, Messi and Inter Miami are left to regroup and reflect after a humbling exit on the global stage.
