Messi’s Miami Dreams Shattered by PSG’s Power

By Chukwuebuka Chukwuemeka

Atlanta, June 29, 2025 – In a brutally one‑sided contest, Paris Saint‑Germain crushed Inter Miami 4–0 at Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, ending Lionel Messi’s Club World Cup journey for 2025. Toc in quick succession, João Neves scored twice (6′, 39′), Inter Miami’s Tomás Avilés inadvertently turned one in (44′), and Achraf Hakimi sealed a dominant first‑half performance (45’). PSG fresh off Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Champions League triumphs waved an unmissable statement of their superiority over Messi’s squad.

Lionel Messi


Messi’s Muted Return to the Scene of His Past

Meeting PSG, his former club from 2021–23, seemed destined to spark fireworks. Yet Messi remained subdued. Despite a few second‑half chances a header and inside‑penalty appeal he struggled to influence the game, largely contained by PSG’s disciplined structure.

German media even described it as a “quiet exit from the big stage,” noting both Messi and fellow veteran Luis Suárez looked out of sorts. Speculation grows that this may be Messi’s last global club showcase.

The Turning Tale: Miami’s Tournament Highs and Sudden Drop

Just days ago, Inter Miami made history by defeating FC Porto 2–1 in the group stage the first CONCACAF team since 2012 to defeat a European side in Club World Cup play.

 Messi himself scored his 50th goal for Miami in that match, becoming the second‑oldest scorer in the competition's history

But the momentum proved fleeting, as PSG’s strength exposed Miami’s defensive fragility no thanks to an early red card for Tomás Avilés and injury problems

PSG Prepares for a Quarterfinal Test

PSG, now quarter‑final bound, will clash with either Bayern Munich or Flamengo next. As Champions League winners aim to extend their trophy rack, victory over Miami reinforces their pedigree.

 

Paris Saint-Germain team celebrates the second goal by Joao Neves during the Club World Cup round of 16 soccer match between PSG and Inter Miami in Atlanta, Sunday, June 29, 2025

 Aftermath & What's Next for Messi and Miami

This loss may prompt introspection. Some pundits argue Messi deserves a stronger supporting cast, even urging him to reconsider his stay in Miami . His Inter Miami contract runs through December 2025, with talks underway for one year extension enough to see him open the new Miami Freedom Park stadium in 2026.

Meanwhile, rumors swirl of interest from Saudi club Al Hilal as Miami weighs their options. But Messi has hinted at closing his career in Miami possibly even retiring there

 Key Takeaways

PSG’s dominance was evident in all four first‑half goals.

Messi’s impact was muted; this marked a notably subdued return to PSG.

Miami peaked early but ultimately faltered defensively after an historic group‑stage win.

Next steps for Messi and Miami include contract talks, transfer speculations, and focusing on MLS and the club’s future.

What looked like a global renaissance for Messi ended in silence tonight. PSG roared on proof that in football’s elite competition, pedigree still reigns supreme.

The remaining matches:

 Match 52: Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich 4pm ET/9pm BST (Miami)   

Monday, June 30

 Match 53: Inter Milan vs. Fluminense (Charlotte)

Match 54: Manchester City vs. Al-Hilal (Orlando)

 Tuesday, July 1

Match 55: Real Madrid vs. Juventus (Atlanta)

Match 56: Borussia Dortmund vs. Monterrey (Miami)


FIFA President Gianni Infantino

QUARTER-FINALS

Friday, July 4 

Match 57: Palmeiras vs. Chelsea (Philadelphia)

Match 58: Inter Milan or Fluminense vs. Manchester City or Al-Hilal (Orlando)

Saturday, July 5

Match 59: PSG or Inter Miami vs. Flamengo or Bayern Munich (Atlanta)

Match 60: Real Madrid or Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund or Monterrey (East Rutherford)

SEMI-FINALS

Tuesday, July 8

Match 61: Winners of Match 57 vs. Winners of Match 58 (East Rutherford)

Wednesday, July 9

Match 62: Winners of Match 59 vs. Winners of Match 60 (East Rutherford)

FINAL

Sunday, July 13

Match 63: Winners of Match 61 vs. Winners of Match 62 (East Rutherford)


#Messi #InterMiami #ClubWorldCup #PSG #FootballNews #Soccer

 

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