According to a report from HT Sports, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will witness one of the most anticipated clashes of the year as Messi will go head-to-head with his old team, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in the Round of 16.
This clash has all the ingredients for a dramatic football showdown. Messi, who made a sensational move to Inter Miami after leaving PSG, will face his former teammates and club officials, making this an emotional encounter for the football legend.
For the first time, Messi will take on the role of the underdog in this clash, a position he's rarely in, as he's often seen as the giant in world football. Inter Miami’s impressive run to the knockout stages, with Messi leading the way, has made them the first MLS team to reach this level.
However, the task ahead is monumental. PSG, European champions and one of the top club teams in the world over the past year, will be formidable opponents. With players like Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, PSG has the firepower and experience to dominate. But Messi’s experience, leadership, and brilliance on the ball will be a huge asset for Inter Miami.
🚨 CONFIRMED: Inter Miami’s potential path in the FIFA Club World Cup Knockouts:
— FC Barcelona Fans Nation (@fcbfn_live) June 29, 2025
🔜 PSG – Round of 16
➡️ Bayern Munich – Quarterfinal
➡️ Real Madrid – Semifinal
🏆 Chelsea / Man City – Final
The wildest challenge ever. Messi never chose the easy path… and he won’t start now.… pic.twitter.com/ne2BL1DrSe
In his previous stint at PSG, Messi’s tenure didn’t go as expected. Despite a glittering career and multiple titles with Barcelona, Messi couldn’t quite lead PSG to Champions League glory, a feat that they achieved only after his departure. His time in Paris was also marked by tension with the home fans, especially after Argentina’s World Cup victory over France in 2022.
As a result, Messi's move to Inter Miami marked a new chapter, one that could rewrite his legacy as he takes on the giants of European football in the form of PSG.
The Round of 16 match between PSG and Inter Miami will take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, adding to the excitement and intrigue. The match is scheduled to begin at 09:30 PM IST on June 29, 2025. For Indian viewers, the match will not be broadcast on TV but will be available for free streaming on the DAZN app and website.
This high-stakes game offers a classic David vs Goliath scenario, with Inter Miami set to test their mettle against one of Europe’s most successful and financially powerful football clubs. While Messi is now the face of an underdog team, his experience and skill could help turn the tide in Miami's favor, making this one of the most interesting and talked-about matches of the competition.