PSG vs Inter Miami: Will Lionel Messi Play Today in Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16 Match?

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Inter Miami face European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

The fixture brings Lionel Messi face-to-face with his former club for the first time since his departure in 2023, setting the stage for a high-voltage encounter. With a quarterfinal berth on the line, this match pits Inter Miami's resilience against PSG's pedigree.

Inter Miami are the only MLS side in the knockout phase and will look to Messi, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba to spearhead their attack. PSG, led by coach Luis Enrique, boast a formidable lineup including Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Achraf Hakimi. They impressed with a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders but were unexpectedly beaten 1-0 by Botafogo - a result that Miami coach Javier Mascherano believes reveals cracks to exploit.

Lionel Messi in Club World Cup 2025

Lionel Messi has been instrumental in Inter Miami's progression. He scored a decisive free-kick in the 2-1 victory over FC Porto - a milestone 50th goal for the club and the first ever win by a Concacaf team over European opposition in a FIFA club competition.

Messi's time at PSG (2021-2023) was marked by two Ligue 1 titles but marred by internal tensions, fan dissatisfaction, and a controversial exit following disciplinary issues tied to an unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia. His departure was far from amicable. This fixture offers Messi a chance to reassert his legacy against a club where he never truly settled.

Will Lionel Messi Play Against PSG Today?

While he did not find the net in the draws against Al Ahly (0-0) and Palmeiras (2-2), his leadership was central to Miami's unbeaten group campaign. A minor thigh issue sustained against Porto has not ruled him out; Messi is fit and expected to start.

The Argentina superstar will be key if Miami are to win against the reigning Champions League winners. Although work management has been a concern for the former Barcelona player, he has no such issues, which is a factor why Mascherano believes the MLS outfit can cause an upset.

"This is football - anything can happen. Maybe Sunday will be our day," Mascherano said, underlining Miami's belief.

Expect a tactical battle with high stakes, emotional subplots, and Messi's enduring brilliance potentially making the difference.