The Round of 16 clash in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup is shaping up to be a classic, with Inter Miami set to take on Paris Saint-Germain on June 29 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. But this isn’t just any matchup—it marks the first time Lionel Messi will face his former club, PSG, since leaving them in 2023. Emotions will be running high as Inter Miami’s captain takes on the European champions in what promises to be a dramatic, nostalgic, and potentially history-making night.
Is Lionel Messi Playing for Inter Miami?
Let’s cut to the chase: all signs point to Messi starting. The 38-year-old legend had a slight thigh issue in Inter Miami’s 2-1 win over FC Porto, but he played the full game and looked sharp in training before their draw against Palmeiras. Fans on X are hyped, with posts saying Messi’s ready to “stick it to PSG” after his tough time there, where fans even booed him post-2022 World Cup. Inter Miami’s coach, Javier Mascherano—who knows a thing or two about Messi from their Barcelona days—hinted that Leo’s got extra fire for this one. “When he’s got a point to prove, he’s unstoppable,” Mascherano said.
Messi’s been a wizard in the tournament, curling in a jaw-dropping free-kick against Porto (his 50th goal in 61 games for Miami!) and pulling the strings in midfield. Unless something wild happens last minute, expect Messi to lead the charge alongside his buddy Luis Suárez.
Inter Miami’s Possible Lineup
Inter Miami’s been rocking a 4-4-1-1 setup, letting Messi roam free to create magic as a playmaker or wing threat. Their squad mixes veterans like Messi, Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba with young guns like Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia, who’ve stepped up big time. Here’s how we think they’ll line up:
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Goalkeeper: Oscar Ustari
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Defenders: Marcelo Weigandt, Tomás Avilés, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen
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Midfielders: Tadeo Allende, Federico Redondo, Sergio Busquets, Telasco Segovia
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Forwards: Lionel Messi (C), Luis Suárez
PSG’s Possible Lineup
PSG, led by the tactical mastermind Luis Enrique, are stacked with young stars and proven winners, fresh off their first-ever Champions League title. They’re likely to roll out a 4-3-3, and here’s our best guess at their lineup:
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Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
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Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
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Midfielders: João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz
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Forwards: Désiré Doué, Gonçalo Ramos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
Our Prediction
This game’s got everything: heart, history, and high stakes. PSG’s got the edge with their young, talented squad and Luis Enrique’s slick system. Their press and possession could tire out Miami’s older stars like Busquets, who might struggle to keep up with Vitinha and Ruiz. But never count out Messi. His free-kick against Porto and his knack for game-changing moments give Miami hope. Plus, with Mascherano, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba—veterans of Barcelona’s epic 2017 comeback against PSG—there’s a chance for some déjà vu magic.
Still, PSG’s defense, led by Marquinhos and Mendes, won’t give Messi much room, and their attack, with Kvaratskhelia’s flair and Ramos’ finishing, could punish Miami’s backline. We’re calling it: PSG 3-1 Inter Miami. Messi might nick a goal or an assist to keep it close, but PSG’s depth should seal it.
