Inter Miami, potentially the only MLS team to reach the Club World Cup`s last 16, faces a significant challenge this Sunday against Lionel Messi`s former team, Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi departed the French champions in 2023 to join Miami, concluding a two-year period in his club career often characterized by friction and a sense of underachievement. While he did secure two Ligue 1 titles and the Trophee des Champions during his brief spell in Paris, the team`s inability to win the UEFA Champions League during the era of Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe remains a lasting legacy of that time. This contrasted sharply with his remarkable accomplishments with Argentina, including defeating Mbappe`s France in the World Cup final in his final months as a PSG player.
Sunday`s round of 16 match in Atlanta serves as a fresh reminder of that phase in Messi`s career. This matchup stands out as particularly unique in the knockout stage, with Miami expected to be the sole non-European or South American side to advance from the group stage, positioning them as underdogs against a PSG team that recently lifted their first Champions League trophy just weeks ago. The narrative surrounding Messi`s encounter with his former club, managed by his former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, is expected to dominate the build-up and could prove to be a defining moment of the round.
Here`s a look back at the significant moments during Messi`s time at PSG.
Match Details: Paris Saint-Germain vs. Inter Miami
- Date: Sunday, June 29
- Time: 12 p.m. ET
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium — Atlanta, Georgia
- TV: TNT
- Live stream: Watch on DAZN
- Odds: Paris Saint-Germain -600; Draw +600; Inter Miami +1200
August 10, 2021: Messi signs for PSG
Just two days after his tearful farewell to Barcelona, necessitated by the club`s financial inability to re-sign him, Messi officially completed his move to Paris Saint-Germain. He described the club as perfectly aligned with his footballing ambitions in PSG`s official announcement. The move felt like the most logical fit, considering Messi`s salary requirements and PSG`s financial power since the 2011 takeover by Qatar Sports Investments. It immediately elevated PSG, then managed by Mauricio Pochettino, into an instant contender for the Champions League, boasting a formidable front line alongside Neymar and Mbappe.
September 28, 2021: First Champions League goal for PSG
As PSG comfortably led Ligue 1, they secured their first Champions League victory of the season against Manchester City, managed by Messi`s former boss Pep Guardiola. Messi scored his first goal for PSG in the competition that day, and it was a spectacular effort. In the 70th minute, Marco Verratti passed the ball to Messi on the halfway line. Messi then drove towards City`s half, exchanged a quick pass with Mbappe on the edge of the penalty area, and struck a powerful shot into the net from there.
March 9, 2022: Champions League exit against Real Madrid
In a familiar rivalry, Messi`s PSG finished second in their group, drawing Real Madrid in the round of 16. The tie didn`t go PSG`s way. Although Messi missed a penalty in the first leg, Mbappe`s late winner gave PSG a 1-0 lead at home. Mbappe then scored again in the first half in Madrid, extending PSG`s aggregate lead to 2-0. However, Karim Benzema`s rapid 17-minute hat-trick dramatically turned the match around, leading to the early elimination of the star-studded PSG team.
March 8, 2023: Bayern Munich eliminates PSG from Champions League
Almost precisely one year after their previous Champions League round of 16 exit, PSG suffered the same fate. This time, they were decisively defeated by Bayern Munich, losing 3-0 on aggregate under manager Christophe Galtier. Compared to PSG`s run to the final in 2020 and their subsequent win this year, the two seasons featuring Messi marked the only times they failed to reach the Champions League semifinals.
April 8, 2023: Sets European club scoring record
While Messi later described his period at PSG as “difficult,” it wasn`t without its highlights. In a match against Nice in the spring of 2023, Messi became the leading goalscorer in European club football, netting his 702nd goal at that level and surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo`s record. In the same 2-0 victory for PSG, Messi also recorded his 1,000th career goal contribution at the club level.
June 3, 2023: Final match for PSG
Two days after Christophe Galtier confirmed his departure, Lionel Messi played his final game as a PSG player at the Parc des Princes. It was a notable occasion, though not entirely positive for PSG. Messi was met with boos from some fans, and the team ultimately lost 3-2 to Clermont, despite Kylian Mbappe scoring a brace early in the match.
