Jun 29, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Inter Miami FC forward Lionel Messi (10) in action with Paris Saint-Germain defender Nuno Mendes (25) during a round of 16 match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amanda Perobelli-Reuters via Imagn Images

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PSG Thrash Messi’s Inter Miami To Reach Quarter-Finals

The fixture marked Messi’s first appearance against his former club since leaving Paris for the United States two years ago.

Paris Saint-Germain marched into the FIFA Club World Cup quarter-finals with a commanding 4-0 victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. The French giants delivered a ruthless first-half performance that ended the contest before the break at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.

Joao Neves was the star of the evening, scoring twice in the first half to put the European champions firmly in control. The Portuguese midfielder opened the scoring in the sixth minute, stooping to head in Vitinha’s whipped free-kick from close range. Neves added a second in the 39th minute, finishing off a slick passing move that started with Fabian Ruiz dispossessing Sergio Busquets. Bradley Barcola then teed up Neves for a simple finish from the centre of the box.

FOUR. NIL.

We continue! 👊#PSGMIA I #FIFACWC pic.twitter.com/wINGUhBhZ3
— Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_English) June 29, 2025

Inter Miami Struggle Against PSG

Inter Miami’s woes were compounded when defender Tomas Aviles turned a Desire Doue cross into his own net in the 44th minute, moments before Achraf Hakimi slammed home a fourth on the stroke of half-time. Hakimi’s initial effort crashed off the crossbar after ricocheting off goalkeeper Oscar Ustari’s head, but the Moroccan full-back reacted quickest to bury the rebound.

Despite flashes of quality from Messi, Inter Miami struggled to break down PSG’s compact defense. The MLS side failed to register a shot in the opening 50 minutes, showing the gulf in quality between the two teams. Oscar Ustari made six saves to keep the scoreline respectful, while PSG’s Gianluigi Donnarumma faced only three shots on target throughout the match.

The fixture marked Messi’s first appearance against his former club since leaving Paris for the United States two years ago. PSG’s dominance on the ball and cutting edge in the final third showcased why they remain favourites for the title as they continue their bid to add another trophy to their cabinet.

2025 FIFA Club World Cup

FIFA Club World Cup 2025

Inter Miami

Lionel Messi

PSG

Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.