Gianluigi Donnarumma has been one of Paris Saint-Germain’s standout performers during the 2024-25 season and has carried that momentum into the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. After securing qualification to the round of 16, the Italian goalkeeper sent a message to Lionel Messi about the possibility of facing Inter Miami.
Following a hard-fought 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field, PSG secured the top spot in Group B, with Botafogo finishing second and Atletico Madrid becoming the tournament’s first surprise elimination in the group stage. Now, PSG will wait for the Group A results to find out their next opponent.
With the decisive matches scheduled for 9 PM ET, there’s a real chance Inter Miami could become PSG’s opponent in the knockout stage. When asked about the possibility of a reunion with his former teammate and global icon Lionel Messi, Donnarumma didn’t hesitate.
“A matchup with Messi would be fantastic for us — and for me. I spent two fantastic years here with him, playing alongside the best in the world. But now, I hope we win. He already has plenty of titles,” Donnarumma said in a post-match interview with DAZN.
In addition to praising the Argentine star, Donnarumma noted that Messi, as the most decorated player in soccer history, might have already won enough, hinting that it’s time for others to take their turn. He finished with a clear goal: “I hope we win and reach the final.”
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Though they spent two seasons together at PSG, Messi and Donnarumma have already faced off as opponents. In the 2022 Finalissima between Argentina and Italy, Messi didn’t score but delivered two assists in Argentina’s dominant 3-0 victory. If they meet again on opposite sides, Donnarumma is determined to come out on top this time.
How could PSG and Inter Miami face each other?
While PSG have already secured their place in the round of 16, Inter Miami still need to clinch their spot. The Herons are set to face group-leaders Palmeiras in what promises to be a thrilling battle for first place in Group A — and to potentially avoid facing Champions League winners PSG in the next round.
For Inter Miami to face PSG, they would need to finish second in their Club World Cup group. That would happen if they draw or lose against Palmeiras on Monday, provided Al Ahly fail to secure a positive result against Porto. In that scenario, the group winners would face Botafogo, leaving Messi and Inter Miami to take on Donnarumma’s PSG.
