Messi Outclassed by Former Club PSG

In a highly anticipated Club World Cup quarterfinal clash, Paris Saint-Germain stormed past hosts Inter Miami with a dominant 4-0 victory, securing their place in the tournament’s semifinal stage.

From the outset, PSG demonstrated their superior overall strength, giving their opponents very few opportunities to pose a threat. Neves led the charge with a clinical brace, while an own goal from Miami and a stoppage-time strike by Achraf Hakimi sealed the emphatic win.

Group Stage Journey

Paris Saint-Germain were placed in Group B alongside Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, Brazilian powerhouse Botafogo, and tournament co-hosts Seattle Sounders. The French champions made a statement in their opening match by thrashing Atletico Madrid 4-0.

However, their campaign hit a bump when they suffered a surprise defeat to Botafogo in the second game. PSG bounced back in their final group match, defeating Seattle Sounders 2-0, and advanced as group winners with two wins and one loss.

While PSG’s collective strength was evident throughout the group stage, many fans observed that several players appeared to be not yet at their peak performance level.

Messi Faces Former Club

The quarterfinal match drew extra attention as it featured Lionel Messi facing off against his former club. The Argentine superstar joined PSG in 2021 and played two seasons with the Ligue 1 side, scoring 32 goals and helping them win both the Ligue 1 title and the French Super Cup.

Despite falling short of delivering a UEFA Champions League trophy during his tenure, Messi’s contribution to PSG was significant. His on-field duel with former teammate Ousmane Dembélé was a focal point of the pre-match buzz.

Match Recap

The showdown saw PSG start with a strong lineup including Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Mendes, Pacho, Vitinha, Neves, Kvaratskhelia, and Barcola. Inter Miami, led by Messi, fielded a solid XI featuring Alba, Falcón, Trascos, Busquets, and Luis Suárez.

PSG struck first through Neves, who capitalized on an assist from Vitinha to break the deadlock. In the 39th minute, Neves struck again to double the lead. PSG maintained control of the match thereafter, dictating the tempo with confidence. An own goal further widened the gap before Hakimi added the finishing touch in injury time, wrapping up a convincing 4-0 victory.

Road Ahead

PSG now advance to the semifinals of the Club World Cup, eyeing their first major global title. With performances like this, they’ve reasserted themselves as serious contenders — but sterner tests await as the competition narrows.