PSG secured the top spot in Group B after defeating Seattle Sounders 2-0 on 23/6, setting up a clash with the second-place team from Group A in the round of 16. At the time, the Champions League winners' opponent was yet to be determined, with Inter Miami and Palmeiras as the potential contenders.
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Achraf Hakimi celebrates after scoring the final goal in PSG's 2-0 win against Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA on 23/6. Photo: PSG |
Achraf Hakimi celebrates after scoring the final goal in PSG's 2-0 win against Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington, USA on 23/6. Photo: PSG
After the match, when asked about the prospect of facing Messi's Inter Miami, Donnarumma said, "That would be wonderful. Messi's two years here were great. We had the opportunity to play alongside the best player in the world. Messi has won many titles. But this time, we hope to win and progress towards the championship,".
Meanwhile, Hakimi remarked, "It's great to see Messi again. We shared many good moments. We'll wait for our opponent, but there are no friends on the field. Messi will try to win, and so will we. The whole team will give their best to advance,".
Donnarumma and Hakimi joined PSG during the same transfer window as Messi. In the summer of 2021, the Parisian club signed Donnarumma on a free transfer and acquired Hakimi from Inter Milan for 70 million USD.
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New signings Hakimi, Wijnaldum, Donnarumma, Ramos, and Messi (from left to right) are presented to PSG fans at Parc des Princes on 14/8/2021. Photo: AFP |
New signings Hakimi, Wijnaldum, Donnarumma, Ramos, and Messi (from left to right) are presented to PSG fans at Parc des Princes on 14/8/2021. Photo: AFP
Hours after PSG's victory over Seattle, Inter Miami drew 2-2 with Palmeiras, finishing second in Group A. This result confirmed a reunion between Messi and PSG at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia, at 11 p.m. on 29/6, Hanoi time.
Messi played for PSG from 2021 to 2023, scoring 32 goals and providing 35 assists in 75 appearances across all competitions. The Argentinian star won three trophies with the club: two Ligue 1 titles and one French Super Cup.
However, his relationship with PSG fans soured after he led Argentina to victory over France in the 2022 World Cup final. Shortly after joining Inter Miami, Messi told the media that he had experienced two unhappy years in Paris.
Compiled by Hong Duy
