According to a report from NDTV Sports, Lionel Messi is all set to face his former club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as Inter Miami prepares for a high-voltage clash in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
The much-anticipated encounter is scheduled for Sunday in Atlanta and marks a significant emotional milestone in Messi’s journey since leaving the French side.
Messi joined Inter Miami after a turbulent two-year stint with PSG, where he publicly admitted to struggling with his day-to-day life and on-field performances. Now, with Inter Miami unexpectedly advancing from Group A after defeating Porto and holding Palmeiras and Al Ahly to draws, the Argentine icon finds himself in the spotlight once again this time against his former team.
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano, who shares a close personal and professional bond with Messi, believes the PSG reunion might ignite the competitive fire in the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. “Players like Messi give their best when they have something extra to prove,” Mascherano noted, expressing hope that Messi’s past frustrations in Paris will fuel a stellar performance on Sunday.
This clash also brings back old memories, not just for Messi, but for a host of other former Barcelona players now in the Miami squad. Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and even Mascherano himself have all played under PSG’s current manager, Luis Enrique, during their time at Barcelona. The deep mutual respect between Enrique and these veterans adds a unique emotional layer to the fixture.
Ahead of the high-stakes clash, Luis Suarez lauded Luis Enrique as a key figure in shaping his football journey, applauding the coach’s role in sharpening his instincts and elevating his competitive spirit. Meanwhile, Alba described the Spanish manager as a "phenomenon" and one of the best man-managers in football.
Despite the friendly history, both sides are expected to put emotions aside once the whistle blows. Mascherano acknowledged the personal connection but made it clear that his only goal is to lead Miami into the next stage of the tournament.
For Messi, this game isn’t just about tactics or legacy it's about personal redemption. With PSG now transformed under Enrique and having recently been crowned European champions, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Yet for fans around the world, it’s a chance to witness an emotionally charged chapter in Messi’s incredible career.