Inter Miami’s dream of conquering the FIFA Club World Cup was brutally shattered early on June 29 (local time), as they suffered a heavy 0-4 defeat against a vastly superior Paris Saint-Germain. Despite high expectations, especially with the presence of superstar Lionel Messi, David Beckham’s team was utterly helpless against the French giants’ overwhelming power.
The Round of 16 match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta saw PSG demonstrate their class from the very first minutes. In the first half alone, Inter Miami’s net was rattled four times. Young talent Joao Neves was the hero with a brace in the 5th and 39th minutes, ushering in a nightmare for the American club. Disaster continued to strike in the 44th minute when Tomas Aviles clumsily scored an own goal, before Achraf Hakimi sealed Inter Miami’s fate with a beautiful goal in the 45+3 minute, just before halftime.
A Disappointing Reunion for Messi
Fans flocked to the stadium hoping to witness a reunion between Messi and his former club PSG, along with his former coach Luis Enrique. However, “El Pulga,” despite his efforts, couldn’t make a breakthrough. PSG’s solid defense and relentless pressing completely stifled Inter Miami’s attacks. Messi had a few personal touches of brilliance but wasn’t enough to breach the Parisians’ net.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
With this result, PSG confidently advances to the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals, asserting their position as one of the top contenders for the title. Meanwhile, Inter Miami regretfully bids farewell to this prestigious tournament, leaving behind much disappointment and questions about their competitiveness on the international stage. This is undoubtedly a valuable lesson for the Florida-based team on its journey of growth and development.
