FIFA CWC: Messi leads Inter Miami against PSG on Sunday in the round of 16
Just days after celebrating his 38th birthday, Lionel Messi is about to experience something new in his legendary career: facing one of his former clubs in an official match. Inter Miami is set to take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16 at the revamped FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday, June 29.
Back in July 2023, Messi made headlines when he left PSG and the European soccer elite behind to begin a new chapter in Major League Soccer with Inter Miami. Despite a decades-long résumé packed with records, trophies, and unforgettable moments, the Argentine icon has never before played a competitive match against a former team.
That changes now, as Javier Mascherano’s Inter Miami squad goes head-to-head with Luis Enrique’s PSG, with a spot in the tournament’s quarterfinals on the line.
Inter Miami—led by Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba—was the only MLS side (out of three qualifiers) to advance to the Round of 16 in the Club World Cup’s expanded 32-team format. But after finishing second in Group A, their reward is a tough matchup against the reigning Champions League winners, PSG. The real intrigue? Watching Messi suit up against the club where he never quite found his footing.
The showdown is set for Sunday, June 29, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. The winner moves on as one of the tournament’s final eight teams. Adding to the drama, Ousmane Dembélé is expected to return for PSG as he continues his campaign to be a leading contender for the Ballon d’Or.
During his two seasons in Paris, Messi logged 32 goals and 35 assists in 75 appearances, helping PSG secure back-to-back Ligue 1 titles. However, the Champions League trophy eluded him.
Since joining Inter Miami, he’s notched 50 goals and 24 assists in just 62 matches. Throughout his professional career, Messi has only worn the jerseys of FC Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami, and the Argentina national team, making this reunion all the more compelling
