ATLANTA — One of the biggest FIFA Club World Cup matches is took place earlier today, featuring an all-time great and a reigning champion. However, the results were not as tight as fans were hoping.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami from Major League Soccer faced Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup round-of-16 match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. It was the biggest match played by an MLS club in the league’s 30-year history, and it came against the European champions. U.S. fans were already salivating at the possibility of being able to hold something over European soccer fans’ heads. That didn’t quite happen though.
As Lionel Messi faced his former squad, PSG seemed to be playing with purpose, opening the scoring quickly and laying constant pressure on Miami, pushing them out to a 4-0 lead in the first half. From then on, PSG took their foot off the gas, allowing Miami to get a few good chances, but ultimately never mounting much of a comeback.
Here’s everything that happened during the Inter Miami-PSG matchup.
FINAL: PSG 4 – 0 Inter Miami
This one was all PSG from the get-go. Although Inter Miami had a few solid chances in the second half, they were only after Paris Saint-Germain had taken a step back trying to hold their 4-0 lead.
The final ten minutes of the first half were devastating for Miami fans, as PSG put three goals on the board in quick succession, one of which was an own goal off the chest of Toto Aviles, who was only in the game to replace the injured Nick Allen.
Fans were hoping Miami could at least avoid the shutout, but after Miami’s best chance, a free kick from just outside the PSG box, was blocked away with ease, it was clear that Miami was out of their depth. PSG has been arguably the best team in the tournament so far, and their dominant run continued today. They’ve now outscored opponents in the Club World Cup a combined 11-0. That’s right. They’ve yet to be scored on. They’ll face the winner of Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich in the next round.
Miami free kick from just outside PSG box
With just three minutes to go, Miami earned their best chance of the game. After a foul from just outside the PSG penalty area, Messi was given a free kick and a solid look at the PSG net.
Sadly, that look didn’t amount to much. Messi’s shot bounced off a PSG defender in the front line. Donnarumma’s sheet remains clean as PSG looks ready to advance to the final eight.
Donnarumma with first tough save of the game
Miami has been much tougher in the second half, but they remain scoreless. Thankfully, they’ve had a few opportunities. In the 80′ minute, their best chance came when Messi was able to put a header on net. Unfortunately, PSG keeper Donnarumma was ready, stretching out his arms to make the save. PSG remains on top, 4-0.
Miami gets first good chance of game
Although it’s clear that PSG is taking their foot off the gas in the second half, making several substitutions taking out some of their best players from the first half, Miami is finally starting to cook.
Just four minutes into the second half, Messi has able to place a cross into the PSG penalty area for Luis Suarez. Unfortunately, the cross was intercepted by PSG keeper Donnarumma, but if that effort is any indication of Miami’s chances, perhaps they’ll be able to earn a goal or two before all is said and done.
PSG Goal: Hakimi (45+3′)
As if it wasn’t a big enough lead already, PSG finished off the first half with one final attack that resulted in another score. A shot off the crossbar, bounced right into the foot of Achraf Hakimi, who only had to tap the ball into the open net. Miami looks defeated, and have had fewer opportunities than PSG has goals. The game might already be out of reach, but Miami needs to figure something out to show that they are capable of even putting up a fight.
PSG leads 4-0 heading into halftime.
PSG Goal: Miami own goal, Aviles (45′)
The cracks are finally showing. After several close calls, Miami has surrendered two goals before the halftime break. This one was especially demoralizing though as it was an own goal off a PSG cross.
Even worse, the own goal came off the body of Toto Aviles, a replacement player for Noah Allen, who was injured earlier in this game.
PSG Goal: Joao Neves (39′)
PSG had been knocking on the door ever since their first goal of the game. A series of offsides, close clears, and constant attacks could only last so long. After a tremendous pass into Miami’s penalty area, PSG had a 4-on-3 and after a tremendous move inside from Fabian Ruiz, a quick pass into the middle for Joao Neves gave PSG a 2-0 lead. Miami keeper Ustari never stood a chance.
PSG’s back press causing massive problems for Miami
PSG has been pursuing the ball relentlessly, even when Miami is in possession and Miami has not been able to handle the press. The hard defense has caused massive problems for Miami, who’ve yet to touch the ball inside the PSG penalty area. In fact, PSG keeper Donnarumma has only had two touches so far in this game:
after a clear from Miami, Donnarumma came out to lightly pass the ball back to his outfield
A Miami cross that gently rolled into Donnarumma’s arms
Miami will need to find an answer to Paris Saint-Germain’s defensive tactics if they want to put up any sort of fight.
Yellow Card: Barcola, PSG (22′)
After another strong push from PSG, Miami keeper Ustari slipped on the field, but the referee called the fall on Barcola who was nearby as Ustari attempted to clear. Barcola was granted the first yellow card of the game. PSG still leads 1-0.
Inter Miami injury update
Inter Miami’s Noah Allen, one of the club’s best young defenders, is coming off with a hamstring injury in the 17th minute. It’s a big loss for Inter Miami vs. PSG, but Toto Aviles will replace him in the game. And barely a minute into his relief appearance, Aviles has picked up a yellow card for sliding in front of an offensive player.
PSG offsides prevents another score
Paris Saint-Germain has been hounding Miami all game. Most recently, PSG had another chance to score off a corner kick and even got the ball behind Miami keeper Ustari, but an offsides called the goal back. While PSG was clearly offsides, it’s still concerning for any Miami fan or Messi fan how close PSG came again already just 18 minutes into the contest.
PSG 1 – 0 Inter Miami
In just the sixth minute of the game, Inter Miami finds themselves in a 1-0 deficit. Off a free kick from just outside the Miami box, Joao Neves found the back of the net via a header off a beautiful cross. The ball slid under the outstretched right arm of the Miami keeper, putting the French squad up.
Messi, Inter Miami arrive to Atlanta for Club World Cup match
Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Inter Miami have entered the building.
What time is the Inter Miami-PSG match?
The match begins at noon ET (1 p.m. in Argentina, 6 p.m. in Paris.)
Where to watch Inter Miami-PSG match live stream link?
The match is available to live stream for free on DAZN.
Watch Inter Miami vs. Paris Saint-Germain live on DAZN
How to watch the Inter Miami-PSG match on TV in the US?
The match will be broadcast on TNT and TruTV in English; Univision and TUDN in Spanish.
Is Lionel Messi playing today? Inter Miami starting lineup
Yes, Messi will play. He was announced in Inter Miami’s starting lineup. It will be in his first match since his 38th birthday June 24.
Is Ousmane Dembélé playing today? PSG starting lineup
Dembélé, one of the frontrunners for this year’s Ballon d’Or as the world’s best player, is listed as a substitute for the match. He hasn’t played in the Club World Cup due to a quad injury.
Inter Miami vs. PSG score prediction
Paris Saint-Germain 3, Inter Miami 1: This may not look pretty for Lionel Messi’s side and Major League Soccer. But just getting to this point in the Club World Cup is valiant enough. Messi scores a goal, but Inter Miami is outclassed by the Champions League winners. — Safid Deen
Inter Miami vs. PSG betting odds
Inter Miami is the biggest underdog of any team in the Club World Cup round of 16. Here are the betting odds for the match, according to BetMGM:
Paris Saint-Germain: -550
Draw: +725
Inter Miami: +1250
Over/under: 3.5 goals
Why did Lionel Messi leave Paris Saint-Germain?
Messi’s two-year spell at PSG was complicated, particularly upon his return to Paris from the 2022 World Cup triumph – having led Argentina to victory over France in the final. Imagine having to live and work in the same country you just delivered heartbreak to. Fans voiced their displeasure with Messi, who was also suspended by the club in May 2023 for taking an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia the day after a match.
When did Lionel Messi join Inter Miami?
Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023, joining the MLS club co-owned by Jorge Mas, Jose Mas and soon-to-be Sir David Beckham.
Who does Inter Miami/PSG winner face in Club World Cup quarterfinals?
The winner of Sunday’s Inter Miami-PSG match will face the winner of Sunday’s 4 p.m. ET match between Bayern Munich (Germany) and Flamengo (Brazil).
How has Inter Miami performed in the Club World Cup?
Messi and Inter Miami won a match, and settled for a draw in two others during the Club World Cup group stage. But they were able to advance as a Group A runner-up. They beat FC Porto (Atlanta), and drew against Al-Ahly (Egypt) and Palmeiras (Brazil).
How has Paris Saint-Germain fared in the Club World Cup?
PSG won Group B of the tournament: They beat Atlético Madrid 4-0, lost 1-0 to Botafogo (Brazil), and beat the Seattle Sounders 2-0 during the group stage.
When is Lionel Messi’s birthday?
Messi turned 38 years old on June 24, 2025. He will turn 39 during World Cup 2026. Check out these photos from his birthday celebration last week:
Will Lionel Messi re-sign with Inter Miami?
Messi is under contract with Inter Miami through the 2025 MLS season. The club hopes he re-signs a contract extension to remain through, at least 2026. It’s possible Messi could sign a longer extension.
Will Lionel Messi play in the World Cup?
Messi has not yet declared whether he will play in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. If he does, it would be his sixth World Cup and he would help Argentina defend its 2022 crown.