Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) received congratulations from teammate Bradley Barcola for his goal against the Seattle Sounders during the Club World Cup on June 23, 2025, in Seattle.
As the reigning European champions, PSG does not appear to have much to fear from Inter Miami, currently positioned sixth in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. However, the reunion with Lionel Messi, who had two generally frustrating seasons at PSG from 2021 to 2023, adds a layer of intrigue to this Round of 16 match.
The stakes are higher than just a quarter-final spot; this clash symbolizes a confrontation between PSG, which has finally secured its European star without the celebrities initially brought in to achieve that, and a vengeful Messi seeking to prove himself after a complicated stint in Paris. A loss against Miami, a team that mirrors PSG’s earlier star-driven approach, would be a significant embarrassment. Yet, nothing can truly overshadow a season capped by Champions League victory, especially with the Club World Cup title also on the horizon.
Lucas Hernandez commented on the challenge of facing Messi, recognizing him as “an icon in the world of football.” He expressed confidence that if PSG continues on its current path, it could lead to a positive result. Meanwhile, teammate Désiré Doué remarked that he has never played alongside Messi, suggesting he is unfazed by the occasion.
At 38, Messi harbors a desire to back up his provocative comments made after leaving Paris, aiming to demonstrate that legendary players can defy age and still perform at a high level. He previously faced criticism from PSG’s management and was suspended for two weeks due to prioritizing a sponsor trip over training in May 2023.
Overall, this Sunday’s match pits PSG’s youthful ambition against Inter Miami’s seasoned experience. Messi will be bolstered by familiar faces from his Barcelona days, including Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets.
In the group stage, Messi managed to impact games significantly, despite not scoring in open play. His spectacular free-kick against Porto turned the tide in one of their matches. Suarez also showcased his abilities with a beautiful goal against Palmeiras, affirming that he still possesses formidable skills. Busquets remains an essential figure in the midfield, balancing his experience with the team’s technical limitations.
On the sidelines, Luis Enrique, who once coached Messi and Suarez to a Champions League victory in 2015, will be leading PSG. There is palpable excitement around the reunion, which is bound to add intensity to the encounter.
In a nostalgic note, former PSG player Ousmane Dembélé expressed his admiration for Messi, witnessing greatness during his formative years at Barcelona.
This upcoming match promises to not only revive old rivalries but also showcase the blend of youth and experience in modern football, offering an exciting spectacle for fans around the globe.