PSG vs Inter Miami: Highlights from the FIFA Club World Cup Clash

In a highly anticipated match at the FIFA Club World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) faced off against Inter Miami in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 29, 2025. The match, which kicked off at 17:00 BST (12:00 local time), featured some of football's biggest stars, including Lionel Messi, who was pitted against his former club PSG, adding an intriguing narrative to the knockout encounter. This clash marked the last 16 of the tournament, following both teams' performances in the group stages.

PSG, reigning champions of Europe, entered the match with significant momentum, having recently defeated Inter Milan in the Champions League final. Manager Luis Enrique fielded a strong lineup, with ten of the players from that final match featuring in the starting eleven. Notably absent was Ousmane Dembélé, who remained on the bench due to injury concerns.

Conversely, Inter Miami, managed by Javier Mascherano, was the last remaining club from the United States in the tournament. The team boasted a lineup filled with experienced players, including Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, all of whom have previously played under Enrique at Barcelona. The collective experience of these players, coupled with their recent form, raised expectations for a competitive match despite the evident age of the squad.

The match took place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a venue known for its state-of-the-art facilities. However, concerns about weather conditions loomed, with forecasts predicting thunderstorms in the Atlanta area later in the day. Fortunately, the storm was expected to hold off until after the match concluded, allowing for uninterrupted play.

As the teams took to the pitch, the atmosphere was electric, underscored by the presence of Messi, who received a rapturous welcome from fans. His past performances against PSG, where he was directly involved in seven goals in nine matches, set the stage for a thrilling encounter. The match not only served as a test for Inter Miami's capabilities against top European opposition but also raised questions about the suitability of U.S. venues for hosting major international tournaments, especially with weather unpredictability becoming a more pressing concern.

The significance of this match extended beyond the immediate competition; it illustrated the growing prominence of Major League Soccer (MLS) and its capacity to host high-caliber events. As soccer continues to gain traction in the United States, the performance of teams like Inter Miami could have long-lasting implications for the sport's development in the region.

In the lead-up to the match, various voices highlighted the potential challenges of hosting such events in the U.S. Enzo Maresca, manager of Chelsea, expressed concerns regarding the suitability of the U.S. as a host for the upcoming World Cup, citing weather-induced delays in prior matches. Meanwhile, David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami and a former PSG player, acknowledged the special connection between the two clubs, stating, 'PSG is a special club.'

As the match unfolded, all eyes were on Messi to see if he could lead Inter Miami to an upset against his former side. The cultural implications of this match, alongside the individual narratives of the players involved, underscored the importance of football as a global sport that transcends borders, bringing together fans and stories from around the world. With the winner set to face either Bayern Munich or Flamengo in the quarter-finals, the stakes were high for both teams.

This match not only served as a pivotal moment in the Club World Cup but also as a reflection of the evolving landscape of soccer in the United States, where the blend of domestic and international talent continues to shape the future of the sport.