Lionel Messi will face his former club Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster Round of 16 showdown at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup after Inter Miami secured a place in the knockouts. Despite surrendering a two-goal lead to Palmeiras in their final Group A match, a 2-2 draw was enough to ensure Miami’s progression — setting up a high-stakes encounter between Messi and the reigning European champions.
The match marks Messi’s first competitive outing against PSG since his exit from the French giants in 2023, and emotions are running high both on and off the pitch.
Inter Miami vs PSG: Match Details
- Match: Inter Miami vs PSG
- Round: FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16
- Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- Time: 12:00 PM ET
- Messi’s Former Club: Paris Saint-Germain
- Inter Miami Group Finish: 2nd in Group A (5 points)
- PSG Group Finish: 1st in Group B (6 points)
- Key Inter Miami Players: Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba
- Key PSG Players: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Achraf Hakimi
- Inter Miami Head Coach: Javier Mascherano
- PSG Head Coach: Luis Enrique
Messi to Face Former Club PSG in Round of 16
The clash between Inter Miami and PSG has quickly become the most anticipated fixture of the tournament. For Lionel Messi, it’s more than just another match — it’s a deeply personal encounter with a club where his short tenure ended on a sour note.
Messi spent two turbulent seasons at PSG between 2021 and 2023. Despite winning two Ligue 1 titles, his relationship with the fans soured after a string of Champions League failures and an unapproved trip to Saudi Arabia that led to his suspension. The Argentine legend admitted he “didn’t enjoy” his time in Paris and found it difficult to adjust to life after leaving Barcelona.
Now, at age 38, Messi leads Inter Miami into one of the toughest challenges in club history — facing a PSG side rebuilt by former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique. Enrique now commands a youthful, disciplined squad that recently thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final.
Inter Miami Make History, But Tough Test Awaits
Inter Miami secured their place in the Club World Cup knockout stages after a thrilling group campaign. A free-kick goal from Messi and another from Luis Suárez gave Miami a 2-0 lead against Palmeiras, but late goals from Paulinho and Maurício secured a 2-2 draw for the Brazilian side. Both teams advanced on five points, but Palmeiras topped the group on goal difference.
Despite not winning the group, Inter Miami became the only MLS side to reach the knockout stages, with Seattle Sounders and LAFC crashing out. Coach Javier Mascherano hailed the effort as a “historic night for MLS,” emphasizing how the team has gone “toe-to-toe” with top-level competition.
For Messi, Suárez, Jordi Alba, Busquets, and Mascherano — all former teammates from Barcelona — this fixture is more than just football. It’s a reunion with Enrique, who guided them to a treble in 2015 and remains, in Alba’s words, “the best coach in the world.”
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Club World Cup Clash Carries Emotional Weight
While Messi has publicly stated he holds no grudge against PSG, he acknowledged the emotional difficulty of his time there. He never intended to leave Barcelona, and his move to PSG came as a last-minute decision due to financial troubles at the Catalan club. Fans in Paris turned on him following back-to-back Champions League failures, culminating in his suspension and exit in 2023.
In contrast, his arrival in Miami sparked a footballing revolution. Messi has reignited the MLS brand, leading Inter Miami into new territory. But now, the challenge is steep. PSG is full of elite talent, and as defender Maxi Falcon warned, “even the tiniest mistake” can be punished.
Still, the belief within the Miami squad remains strong. “It’s 90 minutes,” said Alba. “Any team can beat you. And we’re going to fight.”
Coach Mascherano echoed this: “We’ll try our best, and we’ll see what happens. Maybe it’s our day — you never know.”