Daijiworld Media Network - Atlanta
Atlanta, Jun 30: Lionel Messi’s much-anticipated clash against his former club ended in disappointment as Paris Saint-Germain routed Inter Miami CF 4-0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium to book their place in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Buoyed by a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders in the previous round, PSG approached the Round of 16 with confidence. Coach Luis Enrique fielded a formidable lineup featuring Marquinhos and Willian Pacho at the heart of defence, Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, and a dynamic midfield of Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz. On the flanks, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia supported striker Désiré Doué.
PSG wasted no time asserting dominance. João Neves headed home a pinpoint cross from Vitinha just six minutes in, setting the tone for the night. Despite strong resistance from Inter Miami’s goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, Neves struck again in the 39th minute, capping off a slick team move started by Barcola and Ruiz.
Things worsened for the MLS side before halftime when Tomás Avilés inadvertently deflected Doué’s cross into his own net, making it 3-0. PSG sealed the win in stoppage time, as Achraf Hakimi finished off a rebound from his own shot following a Barcola assist.
Though PSG created numerous second-half chances through Doué, Barcola, and Kvaratskhelia, the scoreline remained unchanged. Lionel Messi managed two shots on target but was largely kept quiet by a resolute PSG defence in a night that saw his reunion with the French club turn sour.
Ousmane Dembélé returned from injury to make a second-half appearance, replacing the influential João Neves—who earned Man of the Match honors for his brace and midfield control.
PSG now await the winner of the Bayern Munich vs Flamengo clash in what promises to be a high-octane quarter-final showdown.