Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) showed their true might as they dismantled Inter Miami 5-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 quarter-final clash at Lusail Iconic Stadium on Sunday.
In what was touted as Lionel Messi’s emotional reunion with his former club, PSG ensured there was no room for nostalgia as they dominated every aspect of the game. Over 80,500 fans witnessed PSG’s superior tactics, pace, and finishing ability as they stormed into the semi-finals.
Match Overview
| Match Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Tournament | FIFA Club World Cup 2025 |
| Stage | Quarter-final |
| Date | June 29, 2025 |
| Venue | Lusail Iconic Stadium, Qatar |
| Attendance | 80,532 |
| Result | PSG 5 – 0 Inter Miami |
| Referee | Facundo Tello (Argentina) |
First Half: Mbappe Magic
PSG asserted control from kickoff, with Kylian Mbappe scoring within 7 minutes. His quick combination play with Ousmane Dembele tore apart Miami’s defence. In the 25th minute, Mbappe doubled the lead with a curling effort from outside the box.
Ousmane Dembele extended PSG’s lead in the 43rd minute, capitalising on Miami’s defensive lapse. By half-time, the scoreline read 3-0, reflecting PSG’s dominance.
Second Half: Ruthless Finish
Inter Miami’s defence continued to struggle as Vitinha scored in the 58th minute, followed by Goncalo Ramos adding the fifth goal in the 71st minute. PSG maintained 68% possession, recording 22 shots in total compared to Inter Miami’s 3 shots.
Key Match Statistics
| Team | Goals | Shots (On Target) | Possession | Pass Accuracy | Fouls | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PSG | 5 | 22 (12) | 68% | 91% | 9 | 2 | 0 |
| Inter Miami | 0 | 3 (1) | 32% | 81% | 12 | 3 | 0 |
Player Performance Pivot Table
| Player | Goals | Assists | Pass Accuracy (%) | Key Passes | Shots on Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappe | 2 | 1 | 91 | 4 | 4 |
| Ousmane Dembele | 1 | 2 | 87 | 3 | 2 |
| Vitinha | 1 | 0 | 93 | 2 | 1 |
| Goncalo Ramos | 1 | 0 | 85 | 1 | 1 |
| Lionel Messi | 0 | 0 | 81 | 1 | 0 |
Lionel Messi’s Disappointing Return
All eyes were on Lionel Messi, who spent two seasons at PSG before his move to MLS. However, the Argentine legend was tightly marked, limiting him to only one shot off target, 22 passes in the attacking third, and zero dribbles completed.
Inter Miami’s midfield failed to create chances, leaving Messi isolated up front. Fans witnessed rare frustration as Messi dropped deep repeatedly, unable to impact the game meaningfully.
PSG Manager Luis Enrique’s Reaction
“We were brilliant from start to finish. Our transitions were quick, Mbappe was unstoppable, and the team pressed as a unit. I am proud of this performance,” Enrique said post-match.
Inter Miami Manager Gerardo Martino’s Reaction
“We were second-best in every department. This is the reality check for us if we wish to compete with Europe’s elite. PSG were ruthless today,” Martino admitted.
Pivot Table: PSG Offensive Contribution Summary
| Category | Total Count |
|---|---|
| Total Goals | 5 |
| Total Assists | 3 |
| Total Key Passes | 12 |
| Total Shots on Target | 12 |
| Total Successful Dribbles | 18 |
Social Media Reactions
Football fans on social media reacted with mixed emotions:
- @PSGFanatics: “This is what Mbappe does. The best in the world right now.”
- @MLSUpdates: “Messi deserved better service. Miami midfield invisible.”
- @FootyTalks: “PSG are the favourites to win this tournament. Complete performance.”
Club World Cup 2025: Updated Fixture Table
| Date | Fixture | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| July 2, 2025 | Fluminense vs Al Ahly | Lusail Iconic Stadium |
| July 5, 2025 | PSG vs TBD (Semi-final) | Education City Stadium |
| July 6, 2025 | Manchester City vs TBD (Semi) | Al Bayt Stadium |
| July 9, 2025 | Final | Lusail Iconic Stadium |
Lionel Messi: Club World Cup Career Summary
| Club | Matches | Goals | Assists | Trophies Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barcelona | 5 | 5 | 3 | 3 |
| Inter Miami | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Expert Analysis: PSG’s Champions League Experience Shows
Football analysts noted that PSG’s Champions League pedigree was evident in their pressing structure, quick ball circulation, and finishing. Mbappe’s positioning, Dembele’s width, and Vitinha’s control were key to PSG’s overwhelming dominance.
What’s Next for PSG and Inter Miami?
PSG will now prepare for their semi-final clash on July 5 as they chase their first-ever Club World Cup trophy, while Inter Miami return to MLS action needing introspection after their heavy defeat.
Final Thoughts
This result underlines PSG’s status as one of world football’s most powerful clubs, while Inter Miami’s limitations against elite European teams were exposed despite having Lionel Messi in their ranks.
