The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 still has not run out of drama. The round of 16 match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Miami CF is as emotional as it gets, with tears, skill, and action expected on the field. All eyes will be on Messi since this will be his first time playing against PSG after leaving PSG.

As if that weren’t enough to raise the stakes, the winner of this encounter will take on either Bayern Munich or Flamengo in the quarterfinals on July 5th. Will Inter Miami step up to the plate once more? Or will PSG continue to demonstrate their dominance in the football world?

Inter Miami entered this expanded tournament as underdogs, yet emerged from a tough group featuring Al Ahly, FC Porto, and Palmeiras. Despite defensive concerns, they managed to finish second, primarily driven by Messi’s magic and Luis Suarez’s resurgence.

As the current holders of the UEFA Champions League and Ligue 1 champions, PSG steps onto the field as one of the favorites to win the Club World Cup. They topped their group despite a shock loss to Botafogo, bouncing back with a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders.

After finally winning the UEFA Champions League, PSG now seeks to confirm their spot among the global elite. The Club World Cup represents a golden chance. A loss here, particularly to an MLS team—even if led by Messi—would draw intense attention.

Expectations for 2025 were high, yet inconsistent league form and continental disappointments have haunted the Herons. A run in this Club World Cup has somewhat salvaged their season. A win against PSG would be their biggest ever result, while a heavy loss might reinforce existing concerns.

• Vitinha: The midfield orchestrator is arguably second only to Pedri. 

• Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a Georgian winger, has already scored one goal and assisted twice, providing a cutting edge on the left.

• Achraf Hakimi, a Moroccan fullback, has contributed 24 goals this season.

• Lionel Messi: Still the GOAT, still decisive. His reunion with PSG is full of narrative and potential.

• Luis Suarez: Rediscovered form at the right time. His goal against Palmeiras was tournament-quality.

• Maxi Falcón: Miami’s hopes lie partly on the center-back’s ability to remain disciplined for the full match.

With Luis Enrique at the helm, PSG is known for their intense pressing, strong possession game, and smooth attacking play. Even though they’ve lost a bit of their pressing edge without Ousmane Dembele, playmakers like Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz have really risen to the occasion. Expect Hakimi and Mendes to push high, stretching Miami’s defense.

Mascherano’s men structure around Messi’s free role. The Argentine drops deep to orchestrate play, while Suarez plays the target man. Defensive transitions are a weakness, but Miami’s creative output, particularly in open play, can trouble teams.

• They’ve racked up 8 wins in their last 9 matches, including the Champions League Final.

• Only one goal has slipped past them in the last five games.

• They’re dominating with an average of 73% possession during the group stage matches.

• Six different players have found the back of the net in the tournament.

• They are undefeated in their past six fits.

• They have scored in 11 of their last 13 games. 

• They defeated FC Porto and drew with Palmeiras in the group stage.

• However, they’ve conceded 2 or more goals in 7 of their last 10 games.

Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Doue, Ramos, Kvaratskhelia

Ustari; Weigandt, Aviles, Falcón, Allen; Allende, Redondo, Busquets, Segovia; Messi, Suarez

With PSG’s relentless attack and Inter Miami’s open style of play, goals are expected. Nine of Inter’s last 12 games featured 3+ goals. PSG themselves average over three goals in their last seven games.

Inter Miami has failed to score in just three of their last 14 games. Even against a top side like PSG, Messi and Suarez can create something.

Hakimi has been PSG’s standout fullback. Up against Allen or Alba, he’s likely to create danger on the right.

This match isn’t just a football game—it’s a storyline dream: Messi facing his old club on a global stage, leading an MLS side few gave any chance. But PSG, armed to the teeth with elite talent and tactical discipline, will see anything less than victory as a disaster.

Still, we’ve seen stranger things in football.

Can Messi write one more chapter in his incredible legacy? Or will PSG’s precision end the fairy tale? Tune in on June 29 to find out.