In a marquee showdown, Lionel Messi will pit his Inter Miami side against his former club, Paris Saint‑Germain, in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Club World Cup in Atlanta. The match comes after Inter Miami secured progression from Group A following a dramatic 2‑2 draw with Palmeiras, where veterans Tadeo Allende and Luis Suárez found the back of the net before Palmeiras staged a late comeback
The meeting is steeped in nostalgia, featuring a reunion of Messi with former Barcelona teammates—Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Suárez—now pitted against their old coach, Luis Enrique, who currently leads PSG
Under Enrique, PSG carry momentum from lifting the UEFA Champions League this season, yet Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano, insists his side is ready to fight: “They are probably better than us, but in football you never know. Maybe Sunday will be our day”
This high‑profile tie arrives amid wider tournament intrigue: the expanded 32‑team competition, running from June 15 to July 13 across 12 U.S. venues, has already witnessed historic moments, notably Suarez’s impressive performances at 38, and marks Inter Miami as the only MLS club to make the knockout stage
With PSG’s seasoned roster and world‑class pedigree, including emerging stars like Vitinha, Dembélé, and Doué the fixture promises to be a gripping spectacle blending footballing legacy with fresh ambition.
As both teams prepare for a duel that transcends sport—fusing personal histories, national pride and tactical rivalry—fans await what could be a defining chapter in Messi’s illustrious career.
