Club World Cup: PSG Dominate Messi’s Inter Miami to Book Quarter-Final Spot
Joao Neves Shines as PSG Crush Inter Miami to Reach Club World Cup Quarter-Finals
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a dominant performance to defeat Major League Soccer side Inter Miami 4-0, securing their spot in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup. Midfield sensation Joao Neves was the standout performer, scoring twice in a first-half masterclass that left the American team overwhelmed and outclassed.
The match, played in Atlanta, saw the reigning European champions take control from the very first whistle. PSG came into the tie as heavy favourites, and they wasted no time asserting their superiority. Just six minutes in, Joao Neves opened the scoring with a close-range header after latching onto a perfectly delivered free-kick from Vitinha.
PSG continued to dominate possession and pace, forcing Inter Miami onto the back foot for most of the half. The Ligue 1 giants doubled their lead in the 39th minute through Neves once again. This time, the Portuguese midfielder calmly slotted home after a slick passing sequence involving Bradley Barcola and Fabian Ruiz. Ruiz, who orchestrated much of PSG’s attacking flow, had earlier seen a goal ruled out for offside.
Inter Miami’s defense, already under pressure, completely unraveled before the break. In the 42nd minute, a low cross from PSG’s Desire Doue was inadvertently turned into his own net by Inter Miami defender Tomas Aviles, making it 3-0. The nightmare continued for the MLS side in added time, as right-back Achraf Hakimi scored PSG’s fourth goal with a powerful finish. His initial shot had bounced off the crossbar, but he was quick to capitalize on the rebound.
With the game effectively decided by halftime, PSG took their foot off the gas in the second half but remained in full control. The French side focused on preserving energy and maintaining structure while denying Inter Miami any real opportunity to mount a comeback.
Much of the anticipation around the match centered on Lionel Messi facing his former club. The Argentine icon, now captaining Inter Miami, was largely contained by PSG’s well-organized defense. Messi had a couple of half-chances but failed to seriously test goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who kept a clean sheet.
PSG’s emphatic victory sees them advance to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face the winner of the clash between Bayern Munich and Flamengo on Saturday. With their star-studded squad firing on all cylinders, the Parisians look like strong contenders to claim the global title.
Joao Neves’ performance, in particular, earned widespread praise as he continues to establish himself as one of Europe’s brightest young talents. His composure, creativity, and eye for goal were on full display, and his double strike provided the perfect platform for PSG’s statement win.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami will have to regroup quickly after a humbling defeat that exposed the gulf in class between top-tier European football and Major League Soccer. Despite flashes of individual brilliance, including from Messi, the team failed to cope with PSG’s pace, precision, and pressing.
As PSG march into the quarter-finals, confidence will be high in the Paris camp, with their eyes firmly set on the Club World Cup trophy.
