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The Inter Miami was defeated 4-0 by PSG and was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup.
Few could match what Messi, Suárez, Busquets and company did against the European champion in a match that was decided in the first half.
The Portuguese João Neves with a double (6' 39'), Tomás Avilés (44'), and Moroccan defender Achraf (45' + 3') were the goal scorers at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Luis Enrique's team was, as expected, far superior to Mascherano's, and it was clear that they played at a different pace. The Miami players were overwhelmed by the suffocating pressure from the Parisians.
In the second half, PSG took their foot off the gas, and Suárez even came close to narrowing the gap after a great team play.
"The difference between the two teams was clearly evident, but I am very proud of my players for trying to play despite that difference (...) If there is one sport that gives you the opportunity to compete, it is football, regardless of the disparities. Clearly, today the difference was very significant," said Mascherano, who referred to PSG as the best team in the world.
It was a special match for Messi, who left PSG in 2023 after two seasons marked by inconsistent performance and a tense relationship with parts of the fanbase. Although he won two Ligue 1 titles, he was unable to achieve the ultimate goal: to win the Champions League.
The match also marked the reunion of the Barça clan, as Luis Enrique coached Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba during his time at FC Barcelona, where they won everything together. Additionally, Mascherano was also a pupil of the Asturian. After the match, Luis Enrique was seen chatting with his former players.
Now PSG, one of the favorites in the tournament, will face the winner of the Bayern Munich vs. Flamengo match in the quarter-finals, which will take place this afternoon.
Despite their elimination, Inter Miami delivered a performance that exceeded expectations in this first Club World Cup after a historic victory against Porto in the group stage. However, the draw against Palmeiras, in a match that the Americans were leading 2-0 until the 80th minute but ended 2-2, left the Florida team in second place in Group A, forcing them to face the newly crowned European champions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Inter Miami's Elimination in the Club World Cup
How did Inter Miami perform in the 2025 Club World Cup?
Inter Miami was eliminated in the round of 16 of the Club World Cup after losing 4-0 to PSG. Despite their elimination, the team had a notable performance by defeating Porto in the group stage and drawing with Palmeiras; however, this latter result relegated them to second place in their group, forcing them to face the European champion in the round of 16.
What role did Lionel Messi play in the match against PSG?
Lionel Messi experienced a special encounter when facing his former team, PSG, although he was unable to make a difference to prevent his team's defeat. Messi, along with other former Barcelona teammates, reunited with coach Luis Enrique, who currently manages PSG, in a match characterized by the clear superiority of the Parisian team.
How has PSG performed in the 2025 Club World Cup?
PSG advanced to the quarter-finals of the Club World Cup after defeating Inter Miami 4-0. The team, which entered the tournament as the Champions League champion, has displayed outstanding performance under the leadership of Luis Enrique, establishing itself as a favorite to win the tournament.
Why was the match between Inter Miami and PSG special?
The match was special because it marked Messi's reunion with his former team, PSG, and brought together several figures from FC Barcelona under different banners. Additionally, the game showcased the competitive level of PSG against an Inter Miami team looking to make history in their debut at the Club World Cup.
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