In a clash that saw the new European champions steamroll a side of aging stars, Paris Saint-Germain handed Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami a heavy 4-0 defeat on Sunday.
The Major League Soccer side hoped their superstar could work his magic against his former club, but the gulf in quality was clear throughout the match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Miami’s Fight Ends Early as PSG Strikes Quickly
The game started with some promise from Miami, but it didn’t take long for PSG to take control.
Just six minutes in, Joao Neves capitalized on a free-kick to head home the opener, setting the tone for a dominant first half.
Miami’s defense struggled to contain the Ligue 1 champions, and before long, PSG fired three goals in a furious 10-minute spell that effectively sealed the game.
Messi Faces Familiar Foes but Struggles to Make Impact
Despite having former Barcelona teammates like Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba on the pitch, Miami couldn’t keep pace with the French side’s intensity.
Messi, who inspired chants from the 66,000-strong crowd, found himself starved of chances as PSG’s pressing game cut off supply lines.
The 38-year-old showed flashes of brilliance but couldn’t turn the tide.
One memorable moment was a clever chip to Suarez in the second half — though the Uruguayan’s finish was off target.
Messi’s frustration was visible when he clashed briefly with PSG’s Vitinha, reflecting Miami’s overall impotence against the powerful Parisian squad.
PSG’s Clinical Finish Keeps Miami at Bay
PSG’s attack remained relentless. Neves scored twice, while a mix-up from Busquets allowed the second goal to slip in.
A misdirected cross from Miami defender Tomas Aviles led to an own goal, and Moroccan star Achraf Hakimi added the fourth before halftime.
Despite a rare rebound effort that hit the crossbar, Hakimi stayed alert to net the follow-up and put the game beyond reach.
Miami Shows Spirit in Second Half Despite Defeat
While no comeback was on the cards — certainly no repeat of Barcelona’s famous 2017 turnaround against PSG — Miami tried to keep their heads up in the second half.
Messi drew a save from PSG keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and had a free-kick opportunity, but the shot was blocked.
PSG introduced Ousmane Dembele after injury, though he was still shaking off rust.
Miami’s resilience earned praise from Alba, who felt the team performed above expectations and controlled more of the game after halftime, creating chances and putting pressure on PSG.
What’s Next for PSG and Inter Miami?
With this win, PSG now look ahead to a tough quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich in Atlanta on Saturday.
Miami, meanwhile, will reflect on their tournament with mixed feelings — proud of their group stage success but humbled by the sheer strength of their European rivals.