Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a footballing masterclass on Sunday night, thrashing Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-0 to storm into the quarterfinals of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. The UEFA Champions League holders overwhelmed the MLS side at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, flexing their dominance early and never letting go.
Led by a brilliant brace from Portuguese midfielder Joao Neves, a goal from Achraf Hakimi, and a costly own goal by Inter Miami’s Tomas Aviles, the French giants put on a show of clinical finishing and defensive discipline.
Early Blitz: Neves Strikes Twice
PSG wasted no time asserting control. Within just six minutes, Neves found himself unmarked at the far post, where he met a curling free kick with a thumping header to make it 1-0. It was a statement of intent—and a sign of things to come.
Neves doubled the lead before the break with a flowing move initiated by Bradley Barcola, who slipped the ball to Fabian Ruiz on the left wing. Ruiz’s inch-perfect cross was met with Neves’s composed finish, giving PSG a 2-0 cushion and leaving Inter Miami’s defenders flat-footed.
Defensive Collapse Sinks Miami
For Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, the night only worsened. In the 44th minute, 19-year-old Desire Doue whipped in a low cross, only for Tomas Aviles to accidentally turn it into his own net, making it 3-0 to PSG.
Moments later, Achraf Hakimi added a fourth. After hitting the crossbar with a powerful strike, the Moroccan full-back reacted fastest to bury the rebound, sealing a first-half demolition. PSG led 4-0 at the break and had all but booked their ticket to the quarterfinals.
Messi Silenced by Donnarumma and Discipline
Though Lionel Messi became more involved in the second half, there was little he could do to alter the outcome. His best moment came from a rapid counter-attack, during which his header was superbly saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Later, Messi stepped up for a free kick just outside the box—one of his signature moments—but could only hit the wall, drawing a groan from the crowd who had hoped for at least a consolation goal from the Argentine legend.
Coaches React: Respect and Realism
PSG head coach Luis Enrique was pleased but realistic in his post-match remarks.
“It was an almost perfect match. We created a lot of chances, and I’m happy, yet I think we still need to improve. That’s football,” he told reporters.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano, who played alongside Messi for Argentina, acknowledged the gap in class while applauding his team’s effort.
“I’m very proud of my players. Today, you could see the difference in quality. But football has given us the chance to compete. This is probably the best team in the world with a great coach, but we took them on,” Mascherano said.
What’s Next for PSG?
With this commanding victory, PSG advances to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarterfinals, where they will face the winner of the highly anticipated clash between Flamengo and Bayern Munich. The road ahead won’t be easy, but based on this performance, the Parisians look like early favorites to go all the way.
A Learning Curve for Inter Miami
For Inter Miami, the defeat is a harsh reminder of the gap between North American and European elite football. Despite boasting global superstar Lionel Messi and a growing list of young talent, the team struggled to keep pace with PSG’s movement, tactical structure, and finishing quality.
Still, Miami’s presence in the Club World Cup and willingness to take on heavyweights reflects the club’s ambitious vision. The experience could serve as a stepping stone for further growth—both on and off the pitch.
Final Thoughts: A Showcase of Power
Sunday night’s clash was more than a football match—it was a clear message from Paris Saint-Germain to the rest of the world. This is a team not just hungry for continental glory, but global supremacy.
Whether Messi and Inter Miami can regroup remains to be seen. But for now, it’s PSG marching confidently into the final eight of the Club World Cup, their sights firmly set on the title.
Stay tuned to Sports Club India for complete coverage of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, exclusive interviews, and expert analysis from across the football world.
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