MIAMI, USA & DOHA, QATAR – Football fans worldwide are anticipating a momentous encounter as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami prepares to face his former side, French giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in the highly anticipated round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup.
The matchup, scheduled for Sunday, marks the first time the Argentine superstar will compete directly against the club where he spent two seasons following his historic departure from FC Barcelona.
Road to the Knockout Stage
Inter Miami secured their passage to the knockout phase of the prestigious global tournament after a tense 2-2 draw against formidable Brazilian club Palmeiras in their final Group A match, played on Tuesday. The result saw the Major League Soccer (MLS) side finish as group runners-up, concluding the group stage with a record of one win and two draws from their three fixtures.
Their opponents, Paris Saint-Germain, booked their spot in the last 16 by overcoming MLS representatives Seattle Sounders with a confident 2-0 victory on Monday. PSG’s advancement from their group came down to fine margins; they finished level on six points with both Brazilian side Botafogo and Spanish heavyweights Atletico Madrid but progressed based on a superior goal difference.
A Familiar Face in the Opposition Dugout
Beyond the compelling narrative of Messi facing his recent past, the encounter holds another significant layer of reunion. The match will also see Messi come face-to-face with PSG’s current manager, Luis Enrique.
The pair share a storied history, having worked together during a golden era at FC Barcelona. Messi played under Luis Enrique from 2014 to 2017, a period highlighted by immense success, including the historic treble triumph in the 2014-15 season when Barcelona lifted the UEFA Champions League, La Liga, and the Copa del Rey. Their tactical understanding and personal connection forged during those years add a fascinating subtext to their upcoming confrontation on opposing sides of the pitch.
PSG’s Recent Dominance
Paris Saint-Germain arrives at the FIFA Club World Cup on the back of a spectacularly successful 2024-25 domestic and European campaign. Under Luis Enrique’s guidance, the Parisian club demonstrated remarkable dominance, securing multiple major honours. Their trophy haul for the season included winning the French Ligue 1 title, the French Cup, the Trophee des Champions, and, significantly, the UEFA Champions League, solidifying their status as one of Europe’s elite clubs heading into this global competition.
This formidable form presents a considerable challenge for Inter Miami, who, despite their qualification, are still establishing themselves on the international club stage compared to the established powerhouses like PSG.
The Messi Factor
All eyes will undoubtedly be on Lionel Messi. His move to Inter Miami in 2023 sent shockwaves through the football world and significantly elevated the profile of MLS. Now, he leads his relatively young American club into a direct confrontation with the European giant he departed only a year prior. His knowledge of PSG’s players, their style of play, and the tactical approach potentially favoured by Luis Enrique could provide a unique insight for Inter Miami. Conversely, PSG’s familiarity with Messi’s unparalleled abilities and tendencies will inform their defensive strategies.
The psychological aspect of Messi facing his former teammates and the club hierarchy will also be a fascinating element. His departure from PSG, while professional, marked the end of a chapter that, while yielding domestic trophies, did not culminate in Champions League success for the club during his tenure – a prize PSG covets above all others and which they finally secured in the season immediately following his departure. Now, he meets them on the biggest club stage outside of European competition, representing a club from a different continent.
Anticipation Builds for Sunday
The fixture transcends a typical knockout match; it is a narrative-rich event loaded with history, personal reunions, and continental pride. Inter Miami aims to prove their capability against global titans, while PSG seeks to add the FIFA Club World Cup to their extensive collection of recent silverware.
The round of 16 clash on Sunday promises high drama, tactical battles between former collaborators, and the undeniable star power of Lionel Messi navigating the challenge posed by his recent past. Football aficionados are eagerly awaiting kickoff to witness how this compelling chapter unfolds on the world stage in the FIFA Club World Cup.
