2025 FIFA Club World Cup Match Preview: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami FC

Match Significance

This PSG vs Inter Miami Club World Cup 2025 matchup is a dream Round of 16 tie, pitting UEFA Champions League winners PSG against MLS darlings Inter Miami, led by none other than Lionel Messi. It’s a reunion of sorts, with Messi facing his former club and manager Luis Enrique in a high-stakes knockout clash.

Paris Saint-Germain – Team Overview

Group Stage Finish: 1st in Group B (6 points)

Last Match: 2-0 win vs Seattle Sounders

Manager: Luis Enrique

Key Players: Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, Gianluigi Donnarumma

Strengths

Elite midfield control and tactical flexibility

Depth in attack with Kvaratskhelia, Mayulu, and Doue

Strong defensive record (4 clean sheets in last 5 matches)

Concerns

Ousmane Dembélé remains sidelined with a hamstring injury

Occasional lapses in transition defense

Path to Victory

PSG must dominate possession, press high to disrupt Miami’s buildup, and exploit wide areas with overlapping fullbacks like Hakimi and Mendes.

Inter Miami CF – Team Overview

Group Stage Finish: 2nd in Group A (5 points)

Last Match: 2-2 draw vs Palmeiras

Manager: Javier Mascherano

Key Players: Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo

Strengths

Veteran leadership and chemistry from ex-Barcelona core

Dangerous in transition with Messi and Suárez

Unbeaten in last 6 matches (W3 D3)

Concerns

Defensive vulnerabilities, especially late in matches

Missing key players: Drake Callender (GK), Gonzalo Luján (DF)

Path to Victory

Inter Miami must stay compact, absorb pressure, and rely on Messi’s creativity and Suárez’s finishing to strike on the counter.

Head-to-Head & Historical Context

First-ever competitive meeting between PSG and Inter Miami

Messi vs PSG: The Argentine scored 6 goals in 10 UCL appearances against PSG while at Barcelona

Luis Enrique vs Messi/Suárez/Busquets/Alba: Former Barcelona manager now coaching against his old stars

This match is rich in narrative and nostalgia, with deep ties between both squads from their shared Barcelona past.

Tactical Insight & Prediction

Expect a high-tempo, possession-heavy approach from PSG, while Inter Miami will look to frustrate and counter. The midfield battle—Vitinha and Ruiz vs Busquets and Redondo—will be pivotal. If PSG can isolate Messi and limit his touches, they’ll control the match. But if Miami’s veterans click, an upset isn’t out of the question.