Inter Miami CF, featuring Lionel Messi, is scheduled to face Paris Saint-Germain in a highly anticipated Round of 16 match in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on Sunday. This game pits Messi against his former team, a club widely regarded as one of the favorites to win the tournament.
Inter Miami secured their place in the knockout stage by finishing second in Group A, recording one win and two draws. PSG, on the other hand, topped Group B with a stronger record of two wins and one loss, achieving an impressive plus-five goal differential. In their most recent matches, PSG defeated the Seattle Sounders 2-0, while Inter Miami played to a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras.
The match is set to kick off at noon ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Why PSG Can Win
Paris Saint-Germain boasts potent attacking options, including forward Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The 24-year-old has been in good form recently, contributing four goals and two assists over his last five appearances. In the recent win against the Seattle Sounders, Kvaratskhelia scored one goal from two shots, both on target. In the FIFA Club World Cup specifically, he has shown his willingness to shoot, taking 10 shots with five hitting the target across just three games.
Another key attacking player for PSG is forward Bradley Barcola. He provided an assist in the victory over Seattle. In the previous French Ligue 1 season, Barcola was a prolific scorer for PSG, being one of three players to reach double-digit goals. He finished the season with 14 goals and 10 assists over 34 appearances, highlighting his significant contribution to the team`s offense.
Why Inter Miami Can Win
Despite being 38, Lionel Messi continues to be a dominant force for Inter Miami. In his three starts in the FIFA Club World Cup, he has scored one goal from nine shots, with four of those on target. His decisive moment came in a 2-1 victory over FC Porto on June 19, where he scored the winning goal from a free kick in the 54th minute. This season in MLS play, Messi has maintained impressive form, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists in 13 matches (12 starts).
Inter Miami`s attack is also bolstered by forward Tadeo Allende. The 26-year-old Argentine found the net in the recent 2-2 draw against Palmeiras, scoring one goal from two shots (one on target). Across 13 appearances this season, including 10 starts, Allende has scored six goals and taken 21 shots, with nine on target. Notably, he scored a goal in a comprehensive 5-1 win against the Columbus Crew on May 31, demonstrating his attacking threat.
Dominic Ashworth