Wed. Jul 30th, 2025

PSG Crush Messi's Inter Miami in Club World Cup Clash

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a ruthless performance in the Club World Cup 2025, dismantling Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-0 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. With a place in the quarter-finals on the line, the French giants left no room for error, asserting their dominance from the opening whistle and exposing the gulf in class between Europe’s elite and Major League Soccer’s (MLS) hopefuls.

The defeat was a sobering reminder for Inter Miami — and their fans — of the level required to compete on the world stage. Meanwhile, Joao Neves emerged as the breakout star, scoring twice and orchestrating much of PSG’s attacking brilliance.

PSG’s Lightning-Fast Start Sets the Tone

It took just six minutes for PSG to show their intent. A well-drilled set piece allowed Joao Neves to slip unmarked to the far post, where he met a precision-delivered free-kick with a powerful header that left Inter Miami’s defense in disarray. The early goal rocked Miami and signaled PSG’s refusal to allow any complacency to creep in.

From that point on, the French champions controlled possession, tempo, and territory. Miami struggled to string passes together as PSG pressed aggressively, forcing errors and cutting off supply to Messi and his supporting attackers.

Joao Neves Doubles Down

PSG’s second goal, in the 39th minute, showcased the kind of fluid attacking play that has become their hallmark under coach Luis Enrique. Bradley Barcola initiated the move with a swift surge down the left, feeding Fabian Ruiz, whose inch-perfect cross was dispatched clinically by Neves. It was a finish that summed up the composure and technical finesse that PSG brought to the table.

Neves’ performance not only bagged him a brace but also made a statement — this was his night, and perhaps a glimpse into the future of PSG’s midfield core.

Own Goal Adds to Miami’s Woes

Just when it seemed the first half couldn’t get any worse for Javier Mascherano’s side, a third blow was delivered. In the 43rd minute, Tomas Aviles, under pressure from Desire Doue’s curling cross, misjudged the clearance and inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net. That moment, though unfortunate, encapsulated the mismatch — PSG’s pressure was relentless, and Miami had no answers.

Hakimi Adds the Finishing Touch Before Halftime

Any hopes Inter Miami may have had of a second-half resurgence were extinguished just before the break. Achraf Hakimi, charging forward as he often does, saw his initial shot cannon off the crossbar. But the Moroccan was quickest to react, pouncing on the rebound and calmly slotting in PSG’s fourth goal.

It was a crushing end to the half for Miami and a dazzling display of PSG’s tactical efficiency. By halftime, the scoreline read 4-0 — and it could have been more.

Messi’s Frustration and Fleeting Influence

The second half saw Lionel Messi try to inspire a response. He had a brief spell of influence — a well-timed header forced a sharp save from Gianluigi Donnarumma, and a late free kick raised expectations from the packed Atlanta crowd. However, even Messi’s brilliance couldn’t mask Miami’s overall ineffectiveness on the night.

“We competed against one of the best sides in the world,” said Miami head coach Mascherano. “Today you could see the difference in class, but football gave us a chance to be here. We take lessons from this.”

Luis Enrique: “An Almost Perfect Match”

PSG boss Luis Enrique was measured in his post-match reaction despite the emphatic win. “It was an almost perfect match. We created a lot of chances and controlled the game well. But there’s still room to improve. That’s football.”

The Spaniard’s remarks reflected a professional mindset — PSG aren’t celebrating yet. Bigger challenges await in the next round.

All-European Quarter-Final Awaits

PSG’s reward for this dominant performance is a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich, who defeated Flamengo 4-2 in a thriller at the Hard Rock Stadium. The upcoming showdown will pit two of Europe’s finest clubs — and two lethal attacks — against each other.

Harry Kane led Bayern’s charge with a brace, while Leon Goretzka and an own goal from Erick Pulgar added to the score. Flamengo threatened with goals from Gerson and Jorginho, but the Bundesliga side held firm.

“It was a tough game in tough conditions, but we showed our quality,” said Kane. “PSG will be another test — but we’re ready.”

The footballing world now turns its attention to the PSG vs Bayern Munich quarter-final — a clash that promises fireworks and elite football at its finest.

🇩🇪 BAYERN MUNICH VS. PSG 🇫🇷

Qué pedazo de cruce en los cuartos de final. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/Nx7UBy3v4s
— Ataque Futbolero (@AtaqueFutbolero) June 29, 2025

Final Thoughts

PSG’s dismantling of Inter Miami was a clear statement of intent. The French club is chasing Club World Cup glory, and on current form, few teams look capable of stopping them. With their stars firing and their midfield orchestrating play with precision, PSG look every bit like potential champions.

For Inter Miami, the defeat will sting, but also serve as a valuable benchmark of what it means to operate at the top level of club football. For Messi, the night was a reminder that brilliance alone can’t win against a unit as complete as PSG.

The footballing world now turns its attention to the PSG vs Bayern Munich quarter-final — a clash that promises fireworks and elite football at its finest.

To understand more about the FIFA Club World Cup 2025—its format, the teams involved, and what’s at stake—check out our full tournament breakdown