European champion PSG End Messi’s Club World Cup Dreams with Dominant Win Over Inter Miami

European champion PSG delivered a commanding performance to defeat Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16. In front of more than 65,000 fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, PSG showed their class with four first-half goals, ending the MLS side’s historic run in dominant fashion. João Neves scored a brace, while an own goal and Achraf Hakimi’s strike sealed the rout. Messi, facing his former club, was kept quiet throughout the match as European champion PSG cruised into the quarterfinals.

• Match: Paris Saint-Germain vs Inter Miami
• Competition: FIFA Club World Cup 2025 – Round of 16
• Date: Sunday, June 29, 2025
• Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
• Final Score: PSG 4-0 Inter Miami
• Goals: João Neves (6′, 39′), Own Goal – Tomas Aviles (44′), Achraf Hakimi (45+1′)
• Attendance: Over 65,000
• Next Opponent (PSG): FC Bayern Munich (Quarterfinal)

João Neves Leads First-Half Rampage for European Champion PSG

The game started at a blistering pace, with European champion PSG taking control from the opening whistle. João Neves opened the scoring in just the sixth minute, darting into the box unmarked to head home from a well-placed free-kick. Inter Miami’s defense looked overwhelmed, and it wouldn’t be long before they were punished again.

In the 39th minute, Neves struck again after Sergio Busquets lost the ball deep in his own half. The young midfielder calmly slotted in his second goal, marking the first brace of his professional career and putting European champion PSG firmly in charge.

Moments later, things went from bad to worse for Inter Miami. Defender Tomas Aviles, who had been subbed on early due to injury, mistakenly turned a low cross into his own net. Barely a minute after that, Achraf Hakimi finished off a slick move in stoppage time to make it 4-0 before the break.

European champion PSG had dismantled their opponents in just 45 minutes, exposing every weakness in Inter Miami’s structure. With 73% possession and relentless attacking movement, PSG were never in doubt. Neves, Hakimi, and Vitinha ran the midfield with authority, while the backline allowed Miami only minimal chances.

Messi Silenced as PSG’s Depth Outclasses Miami Stars

Lionel Messi had hoped to leave his mark against his former club but was stifled by a well-organized European champion PSG defense. He managed only 14 touches in the first half and was unable to inspire a comeback. A late free-kick from Messi—possibly his last major act in this tournament—was blocked by the PSG wall, symbolizing the difference in levels between the teams.

Despite fielding veterans like Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami looked out of their depth. Head coach Javier Mascherano admitted post-match that the task was always going to be difficult. “We knew this was a massive challenge. PSG are probably the best team in the world,” he said.

European champion PSG head coach Luis Enrique was full of praise for his side. “It’s a great feeling. We were focused, intense, and clinical. I’m proud of the players,” he stated. João Neves also celebrated his performance but emphasized team success: “I’m happy to score twice, but even happier with the win.”

Inter Miami were the only MLS team to reach the knockout round, with LAFC and Seattle Sounders falling earlier. Their journey ends here, but the experience may help the club grow in future international competitions. However, the gap between Inter Miami and European champion PSG was clear—not just in quality, but in pace, decision-making, and execution.

European champion PSG now look ahead to a mouthwatering quarterfinal clash with Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich. With momentum on their side and three clean sheets in their last four matches, PSG look well-positioned to chase their first Club World Cup title.