PSG Outclass Inter Miami as Messi Faces Painful Reunion in Club World Cup
Today’s match between Inter Miami and Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup Round of 16 turned into a sobering experience for fans of the MLS side — and an especially bitter moment for Lionel Messi. On what was billed as a dramatic reunion with his former club, the night instead unfolded as a harsh reminder of the gap between Europe’s elite and America’s budding soccer ambition.
We all expected a show, and in many ways, we got one — just not the kind Inter Miami hoped for. Within six minutes, PSG’s João Neves opened the scoring with a well-timed header at the back post, completely unmarked. It was the start of a dominant half for the reigning Champions League winners. Neves added a second just before the 40-minute mark, finishing a slick team move that left Miami’s midfield and defense chasing shadows.
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By halftime, the scoreboard read 4-0. An own goal by Tomás Avilés and a confident strike from Achraf Hakimi — after his first attempt rattled the post — rounded out a first half that left no doubt about who would advance. PSG played with intensity, precision, and flair. Miami, in contrast, looked out of sync and out of breath, with their aging midfield unable to cope with the relentless press.
Lionel Messi, the centerpiece of Inter Miami and the reason much of the crowd showed up in Atlanta, was nearly invisible in the first half. PSG’s organization didn’t allow him space, and without meaningful possession, he could barely influence the match. Even the brilliance of Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets couldn't stem the tide. At times, Miami couldn’t even string three passes together under PSG’s suffocating pressure.
For those of us watching, it quickly stopped feeling like a contest. PSG’s speed, technique, and tactical superiority were overwhelming. The likes of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Doué, and Vitinha showcased just how far Inter Miami still has to go to compete at this level.
As we look ahead to the quarter-finals, where PSG will likely face Bayern Munich, this game will be remembered not for the reunion of legends but for the ruthless precision of a team operating on another level. For Inter Miami and their fans, it's back to the drawing board — with hopes that days like this are part of a long journey, not the final word.
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