As they headed back to the locker rooms after the match, Dembele met Messi in the tunnel of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. After embracing, shaking hands, and chatting with the Argentinian, the PSG forward requested Messi's entire match kit – shirt, shorts, and boots – as a souvenir. Messi agreed.
Dembele also took a photo with Messi, posting it on Instagram with the message, "Great to see you again Leo, the greatest player in history. I hope you continue making history with Inter Miami, like at the FIFA Club World Cup,".
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Ousmane Dembele takes a photo with and requests Lionel Messi's entire match kit, including shirt, shorts, and boots. *Photo Credit: Instagram Ousmane Dembele* |
Ousmane Dembele takes a photo with and requests Lionel Messi's entire match kit, including shirt, shorts, and boots. *Photo Credit: Instagram Ousmane Dembele*
Messi played for PSG from 2021 to 2023, winning two Ligue 1 titles and one French Super Cup. However, after helping Argentina defeat France in the 2022 World Cup final, his relationship with PSG fans deteriorated. Shortly after joining Inter Miami, Messi stated he had experienced two unhappy years in Paris. This didn't seem to affect his relationship with his former teammates.
After yesterday's match, Messi also embraced and spoke with PSG's current coach, Luis Enrique. The two had clashed during their early days together at Barcelona, but eventually put their differences aside and achieved much success.
In addition to Dembele, Messi was also seen warmly greeting former teammates like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Presnel Kimpembe, and others including Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
PSG players embrace and chat with Messi. *Video Credit: FIFA*
Despite Messi's efforts on the field at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium yesterday, Inter Miami couldn't pull off an upset against PSG. Despite the 4-0 loss, the American team achieved its goal of advancing past the FIFA Club World Cup group stage.
Inter Miami is also the only MLS representative to reach the knockout stage. Seattle Sounders failed to earn any points in Group B, and Los Angeles finished bottom of Group F with only one point.
Messi posted six photos from the match on Instagram with the message, "Today marks the end of our journey at the FIFA Club World Cup with a defeat against the current Champions League winners. This is a club where I have many close friends, and I was very happy to see them again. We are proud to have achieved our goal of reaching the round of 16. Now, let's focus on the MLS and everything that lies ahead,".
Key moments of the PSG 4-0 Inter Miami match. *Video Credit: FIFA*
Hong Duy compiled this report.
