PSG Leave No Chance for Messi’s Inter Miami

One “Inter” — the Milanese one — had already fallen to PSG on a spring evening in Munich. Now it was the Miami version’s turn. At the Club World Cup, the myth of Paris Saint-Germain’s invincibility was briefly shaken when Botafogo managed to edge them out. But that game was seen more as a blip, a moment of weakness exaggerated by the media.

Inter Miami, the only American club in the knockout stage, had shown they had teeth — holding off Palmeiras and knocking out nominal favorites Porto. But beating the red-and-blues? That was another story. Especially since Luis Enrique chose not to rest most of his starters. Only Ousmane Dembélé began on the bench.

Miami fielded their full Catalan quartet — Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and others. Eight years ago, these same players pulled off the famous Remontada against PSG. Ironically, it was under the leadership of the very man who now coaches their current rivals. But much has changed since then.

Unfortunately, this story had no fairytale ending. For the entire first half, PSG acted like demolition experts, dismantling everything Javier Mascherano had tried to prepare. The only potential answer to PSG’s total dominance was Messi — still carrying personal resentment after a bitter breakup with the Parisians. But first, he needed someone to get him the ball…

And that’s where the problems began. Miami’s players had barely half a second to make decisions after receiving the ball. That relentless pressing would’ve crushed Inter Milan — what chance did this mix of veterans and youngsters stand?

Six minutes in, Miami’s heavy-footed defenders failed to notice the slippery Joao Neves darting past them. A cross from Vitinha and — boom — the ball was in the net. That was the beginning of the end.

Next, Busquets made a rare mistake, leading to a second goal — again by Neves. Then came an own goal, the result of another low cross and a defensive miscue. Soon after, Achraf Hakimi struck from the wing to make it four. Arithmetic lesson? Friendly match? Video game session where one player forgot to connect their controller? Maybe. But this wasn’t top-level football. The difference between the sides was massive.

With just 27% possession and zero shots in the first half — that was the final nail. Luis Enrique, merciful as ever, decided not to pile on the humiliation. He brought in bench players like Lee Kang-in, Lucas Beraldo, and Warren Zaïre-Emery to finish the job. Eventually, we even saw Ballon d’Or contender Ousmane Dembélé make his first appearance of the tournament.

But the Frenchman didn’t do anything extraordinary. He found space, played a few combinations — but without his usual spark. Most likely, he was just adjusting to the pace and conditions, saving his energy for the quarterfinals.

And even with PSG in low gear, Miami had nothing left to give. Sadly, with this defeat, the Club World Cup hosted in the U.S. no longer features a single American team. Still, credit must be given — Inter Miami gave everything they had at this tournament.

Published by Patrick Jane
30.06.2025