Messi vs PSG: Revenge in sight? Inter Miami seeks a surprise.

Inter Miami Faces PSG in the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup

Inter Miami has defied expectations in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, achieving two draws against Al Ahly and Palmeiras, as well as a surprising 2-1 victory over FC Porto. This performance secured them a place in the round of 16, where they will face Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Miami team was close to avoiding PSG, but a draw in the last match of the group stage against Palmeiras forced them to face the reigning European champion.

“Yes, probably”

Noah Allen, Inter Miami defender

For the younger players of Inter Miami, the match represents a significant challenge, facing an elite team for the first time in their careers. Players like Benjamin Cremaschi and Noah Allen will have the task of marking figures like Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Ousmane Dembélé. The match also has a special meaning for Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, who reunite with their former Barcelona coach, Luis Enrique, now in charge of PSG. Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano also played under Luis Enrique and will now lead his team against one of his mentors.

“He has probably been one of the best coaches I’ve had in my career. He was a very important coach, not only for everything I learned from him, but during the time I had him, he was one of those who convinced me to stay at Barcelona.”

Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami coach

For Messi, the match has an additional meaning, as he will face his former club after his time at PSG. The Argentine striker joined PSG in August 2021, but his relationship with the Parisian club deteriorated, leading to a tumultuous departure.

Lionel Messi was booed by the fans in his last match as a PSG player. Now, with Inter Miami, he has the opportunity to get revenge on his former club. Mascherano trusts that Messi will use the motivation of revenge in the match.

“For us, it’s better if Messi plays angry, because he is one of those players who, when he has something in mind, gives an extra effort.”

Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami coach

Jordi Alba commented that Messi’s goal will always be to win.

“At the end of the day, Leo wants to win every game like all the great players.”

Jordi Alba, Inter Miami player

The match on Sunday against PSG represents a David versus Goliath challenge for Inter Miami, but the team is not afraid to dream big. Alba expressed his admiration for PSG, but also his hope of obtaining a positive result.

“And why not? Why not dream of beating the European champion? It will be very difficult. We know the quality of all the players, and for me, [Luis Enrique] is the best coach in the world. I know him very well. I mean, it will be difficult for us [to win], I’m sure, but why not? This is football, and it’s 90-something minutes, and well, why not dream?”

Jordi Alba, Inter Miami player

Mascherano acknowledged the difficulty, but emphasized the unpredictability of football.

“We are going to play on Sunday against a great team. They are probably better than us. But in football, you never know. If there is something that makes this sport the most beautiful of all, it is this. It often gives a team that is inferior the opportunity to compete, and even to win.”

Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami coach

With little to lose and the world’s respect to gain, Inter Miami prepares for its biggest challenge.