"PSG is a great team, they just won the Champions League. And the truth is they are doing very well," Messi said after the match on 29/6. "We anticipated the match and the score would be like this. Inter Miami tried hard, fought hard. But it wasn't enough. Now we have to focus on the next tournaments."

Messi during Inter Miami's loss to PSG at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, USA, in the round of 16 of the FIFA Club World Cup on 29/6/2025. Photo: AP

Inter Miami didn't manage a single shot in the first half, as PSG scored 4 goals thanks to a brace from midfielder Joao Neves, a goal from Achraf Hakimi and an own goal from center-back Tomas Aviles. In the second half, coach Luis Enrique substituted key players to rest them, making it easier for Miami to play. Javier Mascherano's team had 6 shots in the second half, but couldn't score.

Messi had 4 shots, and created two chances for his teammates. He was rated second highest in the team, with a 6.9 rating from Fotmob, after fellow Argentine midfielder Federico Redondo.

Key moments of the match.

The 38-year-old superstar had no problem with the loss to PSG, only regretting the previous match. Miami led Palmeiras 2-0 in the final group stage match, but conceded two late goals. The draw cost Miami the top spot, dropping them to second and setting up a round of 16 clash with PSG. Otherwise, they could have faced Botafogo. "PSG are much tougher than Botafogo, but that's no excuse," the Miami captain added. "We still made a good impression."

After the match, Messi didn't seem too upset. He even took the time to shake hands and chat with his former PSG teammates. "I had a very good relationship with the PSG players," he said. "I always say that I am grateful for the two years I played for PSG, and the way people there treated me."

PSG players also showed affection for Messi after the match. Winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia posted a picture of himself and Messi on Instagram after the match, with the caption: "It was an honor to play with you on the pitch".

Messi gives his shirt to Dembele after the match. Photo: X/@dembouz

Forward Ousmane Dembele was Messi's teammate at Barca from 2017-2021. He made his first appearance in the tournament, playing the last 30 minutes for PSG. After the match, Dembele even asked for Messi's entire outfit, including his shoes. "Good to see you again, Messi - the best player of all time," the French international posted on Instagram. "I hope you continue to make history in Miami as you did at the Club World Cup."

PSG advance to the quarterfinals and will face Bayern, also at Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 11 p.m. on 5/7, Hanoi time. Meanwhile, Miami will return to MLS action, facing Montreal on the morning of 6/7.

Compiled by Hoang An