Summary
On June 29, 2025, Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami side faced a crushing 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This highly anticipated match, which marked Messi’s first competitive encounter with his former club, turned into a one-sided affair as the UEFA Champions League winners showcased their dominance. Despite Messi’s individual efforts to spark plays and create opportunities, Inter Miami struggled to keep pace with PSG’s relentless attack and cohesive teamwork. The loss sparked widespread discussion, with some fans and critics on social media questioning whether the 38-year-old Argentine legend is past his prime.
However, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, passionately defended him, attributing the defeat to the shortcomings of Inter Miami’s squad rather than Messi himself. In a candid interview with Foot Mercato, Ibrahimovic famously remarked that Messi was “playing with statues, not teammates,” igniting a broader conversation about team dynamics, individual brilliance, and the challenges of competing at the highest level.
This article delves into the details of Inter Miami’s performance against PSG, Ibrahimovic’s fiery defense of Messi, the context of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, and what this match reveals about Messi’s enduring legacy and the state of Major League Soccer (MLS).
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025: A Global Stage for Messi and Inter Miami
The FIFA Club World Cup 2025, held across various stadiums in the United States, represents a significant moment in global football. Expanded to include 32 teams from different confederations, the tournament brings together the world’s top clubs, offering a platform for MLS teams like Inter Miami to test their mettle against elite European, South American, and African sides. Inter Miami, coached by former Argentine international Javier Mascherano, earned their spot in the tournament through their impressive MLS performance, notably securing a record points tally in the 2024 season.
With Lionel Messi as their talisman, alongside former Barcelona stars Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami entered the competition with high expectations, despite being considered underdogs against powerhouses like PSG.
The group stage saw Inter Miami defy expectations, managing a goalless draw against Egyptian giants Al Ahly, a historic 2-1 victory over FC Porto—marked by Messi’s stunning free-kick goal—and a 2-2 draw against Brazilian club Palmeiras. These results secured their place in the Round of 16, making them the only MLS team to advance to the knockout rounds.
However, their draw against Palmeiras, where they squandered a 2-0 lead in the final 10 minutes, set up a daunting matchup against PSG, the reigning UEFA Champions League champions. This clash was not only a test of Inter Miami’s capabilities but also a personal milestone for Messi, who faced his former club for the first time since leaving Paris in 2023.
Inter Miami vs PSG: A Tale of Two Teams
The Round of 16 match against PSG was a highly anticipated event, laden with storylines. For Messi, it was a reunion with his former coach Luis Enrique and ex-teammates like Gianluigi Donnarumma and Achraf Hakimi. PSG, under Enrique’s guidance, had evolved into a cohesive unit, moving away from their earlier reliance on star-studded lineups featuring players like Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé. Instead, the 2025 PSG squad emphasized collective spirit, with young talents like Joao Neves and Warren Zaire-Emery complementing experienced players like Vitinha and Hakimi.
Inter Miami, on the other hand, relied heavily on Messi’s brilliance and the experience of their former Barcelona contingent, but their lack of squad depth and limited transfer activity in the lead-up to the tournament left them vulnerable.
From the opening whistle, PSG’s dominance was evident. Joao Neves opened the scoring in the sixth minute with an unmarked header from a Vitinha free-kick, exploiting Inter Miami’s defensive frailties. The French side continued their onslaught, with Neves scoring again in the 39th minute after a fluid team move involving Bradley Barcola and Fabian Ruiz. A Tomas Aviles own goal in the 44th minute and a rebound strike by Hakimi just before halftime sealed a 4-0 lead for PSG, effectively ending the contest by the break.
Inter Miami showed some resilience in the second half, with Messi creating a notable chance against Donnarumma, but they failed to convert, and PSG comfortably advanced to the quarter-finals to face either Bayern Munich or Flamengo.
Messi’s individual performance, while not enough to change the outcome, was far from lackluster. According to SofaScore, he recorded a 7.4 rating, with 89% pass accuracy, two shots on target, 100% dribble success, one key pass, one big chance created, and three recoveries. These statistics highlight his effort to influence the game, but as Zlatan Ibrahimovic pointed out, he was let down by a lack of support from his teammates. The match exposed the gap in quality between MLS and Europe’s elite, with Inter Miami’s aging core struggling to match PSG’s intensity and tactical discipline.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s Passionate Defense of Lionel Messi
In the aftermath of the defeat, social media was abuzz with criticism of Messi, with some fans labeling him a “relic” and others mocking MLS as a “sandpaper league.” These comments reflected a broader narrative questioning whether Messi, at 38, could still compete at the highest level. However, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, known for his outspoken nature and storied career, came to Messi’s defense in an interview with Foot Mercato. His remarks were both a critique of Inter Miami’s squad and a testament to Messi’s enduring greatness.
“Messi’s defeat? No, no, don’t talk about the defeat as if it were his fault! Messi didn’t lose, Inter Miami did! Have you seen the team? Messi plays with statues, not teammates! If he was in a real team, in Paris, Manchester, in any of the big teams, you’d have seen the real lion,” Ibrahimovic stated. He emphasized that Messi’s love for the game and his ability to perform feats that “99% of players can’t” remain undiminished, but his teammates’ limitations hinder his impact. “He’s surrounded by those who run around like they’re carrying bags of cement,” Ibrahimovic added, pointing to a lack of dynamic movement and tactical awareness in Inter Miami’s squad.
Ibrahimovic’s comments also took aim at the broader MLS, criticizing the league’s lower competitive standards and lack of coaching quality. “There are no coaches, no stars, not even players who understand how to move without the ball,” he said. He argued that Messi’s critics should reserve judgment until he plays alongside players of the caliber of Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappé, or Erling Haaland. “You want to blame Messi? When he plays with Ronaldo, with Mbappé, with Haaland, with Zlatan. Then you can talk! But today? No, no, no,” he declared. Ibrahimovic concluded with a bold assertion: “Give him a real team, he’ll burn down the stadium again! Because, quite simply, Messi is still Messi.”
These remarks resonated with many fans who believe Messi’s individual brilliance is being undermined by a lack of support. Ibrahimovic’s history with Messi, having played together at Barcelona in the 2009-10 season, lends credibility to his defense. Despite their brief and sometimes tense stint as teammates, Ibrahimovic has consistently praised Messi’s genius, once calling him “the best player in the world” during their time together. His defense highlights a critical point: football is a team sport, and even a player of Messi’s caliber cannot single-handedly overcome a superior opponent without adequate support.
Messi’s Response and Inter Miami’s Reflection
Following the defeat, Lionel Messi addressed the loss in an interview with DSports’ Marcelo Benedetto, offering a measured and reflective perspective. “PSG are a great team, the winners of the last Champions League, and the truth is they’re doing very, very well,” he said. He acknowledged the disappointment of the result but emphasized the team’s achievement in reaching the Round of 16, a feat no other MLS club accomplished. “Before the start of the tournament, if someone told me that we were going to have this kind of performance against these kinds of teams, I’d sign on,” Messi noted, echoing the sentiments of coach Javier Mascherano.
Messi also reflected on the group stage draw against Palmeiras, which forced Inter Miami to face PSG instead of the less formidable Botafogo. “There was a bit of a bitter feeling after the match with Palmeiras because we were winning 2-0, and we ended up drawing, which made us face this PSG team that’s much tougher,” he said. However, he clarified that this was not a criticism of his teammates but an observation of how small margins can alter a tournament’s trajectory. Messi’s comments underscored his leadership and his ability to maintain perspective, even in defeat.
On social media, Messi posted a heartfelt message to fans, expressing pride in Inter Miami’s historic run and their victories over strong teams like FC Porto. “While the performance disappointed many, the team still made history as the U.S. club that advanced the farthest,” he wrote, highlighting the squad’s resilience despite their limitations. This response contrasted with the negativity on social media, where some fans criticized Messi’s performance and even highlighted a brief confrontation with PSG’s Vitinha as evidence of frustration. However, the statistics and Ibrahimovic’s defense paint a different picture, one of a player still capable of brilliance but constrained by his team’s shortcomings.
The Broader Context: MLS vs. Global Football
The 4-0 defeat to PSG reignited discussions about the competitive gap between MLS and Europe’s top leagues. Inter Miami’s performance, while commendable in the group stage, exposed their reliance on a handful of aging stars and a lack of squad depth. According to Opta Sport’s power rankings, Inter Miami is ranked 151st globally, just below Wrexham and above Charlton Athletic, a stark contrast to PSG’s elite status. The match highlighted the physical and tactical demands of facing a team like PSG, whose relentless pressing and fluid attack overwhelmed Inter Miami’s defense and midfield.
Javier Mascherano, in a pre-match press conference, acknowledged the challenge, stating, “We are not naive, we know that the feeling around the game is we are the weaker team, that’s clear. But that doesn’t mean they can kill us in advance. We will fight.” Despite the loss, Mascherano’s comments reflect the team’s determination to compete, even against overwhelming odds. The lack of new signings during FIFA’s short-term transfer window in June further hampered Inter Miami’s preparations, as Mascherano noted the need for his players’ mentality to be “contagious” in the absence of fresh talent.
The defeat also sparked broader criticism of MLS, with some social media users labeling it a “sandpaper league” unfit for players of Messi’s caliber. While harsh, these comments reflect the reality that MLS, despite its growth, still trails behind Europe’s elite in terms of quality and intensity. Inter Miami’s strategy of investing heavily in a few star players, while effective in the MLS regular season, proved insufficient against a well-oiled machine like PSG. This raises questions about how MLS clubs can bridge the gap, whether through increased investment in youth development, better coaching, or more strategic recruitment.
Messi’s Legacy and Future with Inter Miami
At 38, Lionel Messi remains a polarizing figure in football. To some, he is a fading star whose move to MLS signals a step back from elite competition. To others, including Ibrahimovic, he is still the greatest player of all time, capable of extraordinary feats when surrounded by the right team. The PSG match, while a low point, does not diminish Messi’s legacy.
His contributions in the group stage, including a match-winning free-kick against FC Porto, demonstrate that he can still influence games at the highest level. His 50th goal for Inter Miami in that Porto match marked a historic moment, as it made Inter Miami the first CONCACAF team to defeat a European opponent in a FIFA international club competition.
Messi’s move to Inter Miami in 2023 was driven by a desire to enjoy football in a new environment while continuing to compete. His impact on MLS has been undeniable, elevating the league’s global profile and attracting new fans. However, the PSG defeat underscores the challenges of competing in a tournament like the Club World Cup, where team cohesion and depth are as crucial as individual brilliance. Ibrahimovic’s assertion that Messi could “burn down the stadium” with a stronger team suggests that his talents are not fully utilized in the current Inter Miami setup.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami’s season continues with the Leagues Cup and MLS play, with their next match against CF Montréal on July 5, 2025. For Messi, the focus will likely shift to maintaining his fitness and form as he approaches the twilight of his career. His contract with Inter Miami runs through 2025, and there is speculation about whether he might consider a return to Europe or a move to a more competitive league to silence his critics. However, his comments after the PSG match suggest a player at peace with his choices, driven by a love for the game rather than a need to prove himself.
Lessons from the Defeat: Inter Miami’s Path Forward
The 4-0 loss to PSG, while humbling, offers valuable lessons for Inter Miami and MLS as a whole. First, it highlights the importance of squad depth and tactical flexibility. Relying on a core of aging stars, while effective in domestic competitions, is unsustainable against top-tier opposition. Inter Miami’s failure to make signings in the June transfer window limited their options, as Mascherano noted, and addressing this will be crucial for future international competitions.
Second, the match underscores the need for MLS to invest in coaching and youth development. Ibrahimovic’s criticism of the lack of “coaches” and players who “understand how to move without the ball” points to a gap in tactical sophistication. Developing a more dynamic playing style and nurturing young talent could help MLS clubs compete on the global stage.
Finally, the defeat serves as a reminder of football’s team-oriented nature. Even a player of Messi’s caliber cannot single-handedly carry a team against a well-drilled opponent like PSG. Building a balanced squad around stars like Messi, Suarez, and Busquets will be essential for Inter Miami to achieve its ambitions, whether in MLS or international tournaments.
Lionel Messi: Full Timeline and Key Highlights from FIFA Club World Cup 2025
| Lionel Messi Phrase | Details |
|---|---|
| Lionel Messi Faces PSG in FIFA Club World Cup 2025 | Inter Miami lost 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. |
| Lionel Messi Plays First Match Against Former Club PSG | First competitive game against PSG since leaving the French club in 2023. |
| Lionel Messi Leads Inter Miami Through Group Stage | Helped Inter Miami reach knockout stages as the only MLS team in the competition. |
| Lionel Messi Scores Stunning Free-Kick vs FC Porto | Delivered a historic goal to secure a 2-1 win over Porto in the group stage. |
| Lionel Messi Watches Inter Miami Draw with Palmeiras | Inter Miami squandered a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2, resulting in a tougher Round of 16 matchup vs PSG. |
| Lionel Messi Sees PSG Dominate Early in Round of 16 | PSG scored all four goals in the first half through Neves, Hakimi, and an own goal by Tomas Aviles. |
| Lionel Messi Records Solid Individual Performance | 7.4 SofaScore rating, 89% pass accuracy, 100% dribble success, one key pass, one big chance created. |
| Lionel Messi Fails to Overcome PSG’s Cohesive Attack | Despite creating chances, Inter Miami couldn’t break through PSG’s organized defense. |
| Lionel Messi Becomes Target of Social Media Criticism | Critics mocked his age and questioned his ability to perform at the highest level. |
| Lionel Messi Defended by Zlatan Ibrahimovic | Ibrahimovic blamed Inter Miami’s squad quality, not Messi, calling teammates “statues, not players.” |
| Lionel Messi Highlighted as Victim of MLS Limitations | Ibrahimovic criticized MLS coaching standards and competitive level as inadequate for Messi’s talent. |
| Lionel Messi Described as Still Among World’s Best | Ibrahimovic claimed Messi would “burn down the stadium” with a real team around him. |
| Lionel Messi Reflects on Palmeiras Draw Post-Match | Acknowledged missed opportunity for a weaker opponent in the Round of 16 due to late goals conceded. |
| Lionel Messi Praises Inter Miami’s Historic Tournament Run | Celebrated team’s achievement as first MLS club to reach the knockout stages of FIFA Club World Cup. |
| Lionel Messi Expresses Respect for PSG’s Quality | Called PSG “a great team” and praised their Champions League-winning pedigree. |
| Lionel Messi Posts Heartfelt Message to Fans | Thanked supporters for believing in Inter Miami despite the heavy defeat. |
| Lionel Messi Sees Critics Debate MLS vs Europe Gap | Defeat reignited discussions about MLS’s lower standards compared to Europe’s top leagues. |
| Lionel Messi Watches Mascherano Admit Squad Weakness | Coach Mascherano accepted lack of squad depth hurt Inter Miami’s chances against PSG. |
| Lionel Messi Leads Aging Inter Miami Core | Relied on experienced ex-Barcelona stars Suarez, Busquets, and Alba but lacked youthful energy. |
| Lionel Messi Witnesses PSG’s Young Talents Shine | Joao Neves, Zaire-Emery, and Barcola outclassed Inter Miami’s veteran midfielders. |
| Lionel Messi Becomes Symbol of MLS Global Ambition | His presence brought worldwide attention to MLS despite competitive shortcomings. |
| Lionel Messi Hits 50 Goals for Inter Miami | Marked milestone with free-kick vs Porto, first CONCACAF club to beat a European side in FIFA event. |
| Lionel Messi Faces Opta Rankings Reality | Inter Miami ranked 151st globally, far below elite clubs like PSG. |
| Lionel Messi Emphasizes Team Sport Nature | Stressed that even the best players need strong teammates to win major games. |
| Lionel Messi Looks Ahead to MLS and Leagues Cup Matches | Next match set against CF Montréal on July 5, 2025. |
| Lionel Messi Approaches Twilight of Career | At 38, still capable of brilliance but reliant on balanced squad support. |
| Lionel Messi Speculated to Consider Future Options | Potential return to Europe or competitive leagues if conditions align. |
| Lionel Messi Remains Committed to Inter Miami Goals | Continues leading Inter Miami despite limitations and external criticism. |
| Lionel Messi Inspires MLS to Improve Player Development | Highlights need for better coaching, youth systems, and strategic recruitment in MLS. |
| Lionel Messi Stands as MLS’s Biggest Global Icon | Elevates MLS visibility worldwide despite defeat’s spotlight on league’s gaps. |
| Lionel Messi’s Legacy Remains Intact Despite Defeat | Individual brilliance and leadership qualities endure despite Inter Miami’s limitations. |
| Lionel Messi Ends Tournament with Valuable Lessons | Defeat underscored importance of squad depth, tactics, and balanced team-building for future competitions. |
Conclusion: Messi Remains Messi
The 4-0 defeat to PSG was a stark reminder of the challenges Inter Miami faces in competing with the world’s best. Yet, it also reaffirmed Lionel Messi’s enduring quality and the limitations of his current team. Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s passionate defense encapsulates the sentiment shared by many fans: Messi’s brilliance is timeless, but it requires a supportive cast to shine fully. As Inter Miami reflects on their Club World Cup journey, they can take pride in being the only MLS team to reach the knockout rounds, a testament to Messi’s leadership and their collective effort.
For football fans, this match was a fascinating clash of narratives—Messi’s reunion with PSG, the gap between MLS and European football, and the ongoing debate about his legacy. While critics may point to the scoreline as evidence of decline, the reality is more nuanced. Messi’s performance, coupled with Ibrahimovic’s unwavering support, suggests that he remains a force to be reckoned with. As Inter Miami prepares for the next chapter of their season, the focus will be on building a team worthy of their star player, one capable of turning Ibrahimovic’s vision of Messi “burning down the stadium” into reality.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
FAQs on Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, and the FIFA Club World Cup 2025
Q1: What happened in Lionel Messi’s first FIFA Club World Cup 2025 knockout match?
On June 29, 2025, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami lost 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta. Despite Messi’s efforts, PSG dominated with a strong first-half performance, scoring all four goals before halftime.
Q2: How did Lionel Messi perform individually against PSG despite the loss?
Messi recorded a SofaScore rating of 7.4 with 89% pass accuracy, two shots on target, a 100% dribble success rate, one key pass, and one big chance created—proving he still influenced the game even as Inter Miami fell short.
Q3: Why did Zlatan Ibrahimovic defend Messi after the 4-0 defeat?
Zlatan Ibrahimovic argued the defeat wasn’t Messi’s fault, famously saying he was “playing with statues, not teammates.” He blamed Inter Miami’s lack of squad depth and MLS’s competitive gap rather than Messi’s abilities.
Q4: What did Ibrahimovic say about MLS and Inter Miami’s squad quality?
Ibrahimovic criticized MLS for having “no coaches, no stars” and said Messi would shine brighter with world-class teammates like Ronaldo, Mbappé, or Haaland, highlighting Inter Miami’s lack of tactical depth and dynamic movement.
Q5: How did Inter Miami reach the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16?
Inter Miami advanced from the group stage with a goalless draw against Al Ahly, a 2-1 win over FC Porto—where Messi scored a stunning free-kick—and a 2-2 draw with Palmeiras, making them the only MLS team in the knockout rounds.
Q6: Why was the draw against Palmeiras significant for Inter Miami?
The 2-2 draw against Palmeiras cost Inter Miami first place in their group. Had they held onto their 2-0 lead, they would have faced a weaker opponent like Botafogo instead of the Champions League winners PSG.
Q7: How did PSG dominate Inter Miami in the Round of 16 match?
PSG scored four goals in the first half through Joao Neves (twice), a Tomas Aviles own goal, and Achraf Hakimi. Their tactical pressing, quick passing, and superior squad depth overwhelmed Inter Miami’s defense.
Q8: What was Messi’s reaction after the defeat?
Messi acknowledged PSG’s strength but praised Inter Miami for making history as the only MLS team to reach the Round of 16. He expressed pride in the squad’s efforts and remained positive about their future performances.
Q9: How did the loss spark debate about MLS vs. European football?
The defeat reignited criticism about MLS’s lower competitive standards compared to Europe’s top leagues, with analysts noting Inter Miami’s overreliance on aging stars and lack of tactical sophistication.
Q10: What lessons can Inter Miami and MLS learn from this defeat?
Key lessons include the need for better squad depth, youth development, tactical coaching, and strategic recruitment to compete with elite clubs like PSG in future international tournaments.
Q11: What does this match mean for Messi’s legacy at 38 years old?
Despite the loss, Messi’s individual brilliance and leadership remain unquestioned. His contributions, including his free-kick goal against Porto, show he can still perform at the highest level when supported adequately.
Q12: What’s next for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami after the Club World Cup?
Inter Miami will return to domestic action in the Leagues Cup and MLS, starting with a match against CF Montréal on July 5, 2025, aiming to build a stronger team around Messi for future challenges.