Atlanta, USA – A highly anticipated clash is set to unfold today as Lionel Messi leads Inter Miami CF onto the pitch against his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The marquee fixture is scheduled for Sunday, June 29, promising football fans a thrilling encounter at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The match carries significant narrative weight, pitting the Argentine maestro against the Parisian giants where he spent two seasons before making the move to Major League Soccer (MLS). This encounter is not just a test of tactical prowess but also a moment steeped in personal history for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Match Details and Kick-off Times
Football enthusiasts across the globe will be tuning in for the showdown. The match is slated to kick off at 12 PM ET (Eastern Time) in Atlanta. For viewers in other regions, this translates to 9 AM PT (Pacific Time), 5 PM BST (British Summer Time), and 9:30 PM IST (Indian Standard Time).
The Mercedes-Benz Stadium, typically home to Atlanta United of MLS and the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL, provides a state-of-the-art venue for this high-stakes international club competition.
Inter Miami’s Path to the Knockouts
Inter Miami enters this round as the sole representative from Major League Soccer, a testament to their performance in the group stage. The Florida-based club navigated Group A successfully, finishing unbeaten to secure their spot in the round of 16.
Their group stage campaign saw them collect five points from three matches. They opened with a goalless draw (0-0) against Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly. This was followed by a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Portuguese giants FC Porto. They concluded their group fixtures with a 2-2 draw against formidable Brazilian side Palmeiras, solidifying their position as group runners-up and advancing to the knockout stages.
Led by Messi and a squad featuring other high-profile names, Inter Miami has shown resilience and attacking flair throughout the tournament, demonstrating their capability to compete on the global stage.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Journey
Paris Saint-Germain, one of Europe’s elite clubs, qualified for the round of 16 after topping Group B. Their group stage results showcased their offensive power and occasional vulnerability.
PSG began with a dominant 4-0 victory over Spanish side Atletico Madrid, setting an early statement of intent. Their campaign hit a minor hurdle with a surprising 1-0 loss to Brazilian club Botafogo. However, they bounced back decisively in their final group match, securing a comfortable 2-0 win against MLS side the Seattle Sounders to clinch the top spot in their group and secure a potentially more favourable draw in the knockout round.
Under the guidance of their coach, PSG arrives in Atlanta as one of the favourites to lift the trophy, boasting a squad brimming with international talent ready to challenge for global supremacy.
Team News and Potential Lineups
As both teams prepare for this crucial knockout tie, there are some considerations regarding squad availability.
For Paris Saint-Germain, there are reports suggesting that forward Ousmane Dembele might be a doubt for the match, potentially starting from the bench due to a hamstring issue. His absence from the starting eleven would necessitate tactical adjustments for the French champions.
Inter Miami faces a key absence in goal. First-choice goalkeeper Drake Callender is sidelined due to injury. Argentine veteran Oscar Ustari is expected to step in and start between the posts for the MLS side. Ustari’s experience will be vital as he commands the defense against a potent PSG attack.
The final lineups will be confirmed closer to kick-off, but these potential absentees could certainly influence the dynamics of the match.
How to Watch Live
Fans eager to witness this historic confrontation between Inter Miami and PSG, featuring Lionel Messi facing his former club, can access the live stream of the match.
The official platform for live streaming the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16 fixture is the DAZN app and website. Viewers are advised to check local broadcast schedules and platform availability in their respective regions to ensure they can tune in for the action from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
With both teams having navigated competitive group stages and boasting star power, the Inter Miami vs PSG encounter promises to be a highlight of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, carrying the added intrigue of Messi facing his recent past.
