Lionel Messi‘s run in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 came to an end in the Round of 16, as Inter Miami fell 4–0 to Paris Saint-Germain. Following the elimination, Messi addressed the loss and delivered a meaningful message to his teammates and fans.
PSG struck early with a fifth-minute header from João Neves. The French champions then piled on with a Tomás Aviles own goal in the 39th minute, followed by Achraf Hakimi finding the net in first-half stoppage time. Four goals before halftime sealed the outcome.
Inter Miami created more chances in the second half but couldn’t find the net. Messi had a clear opportunity against Gianluigi Donnarumma but couldn’t capitalize, ultimately finishing the tournament just shy of equaling Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal tally in the competition.
Speaking with DSports’ Marcelo Benedetto, Messi broke his silence: “PSG are a great team, the winners of the last Champions League, and the truth is they’re doing very very well. It was what we expected. It was the match we anticipated, we tried to do our best, and well, we left a good impression in terms of the Club World Cup.”
Messi also reflected on the costly draw against Palmeiras in the final group-stage match. “There was a bit of a bitter feeling after the match with Palmeiras because we were winning 2-0, and we ended up drawing, which made us face this PSG team that’s much tougher,” highlighted Messi, with Botafogo being the rival if they happened to come up first.
see also
Ousmane Dembele makes things clear about Lionel Messi and Inter Miami during FIFA Club World Cup reunion
“But it’s not a criticism,” Messi clarified. “Just a situation that could have been different because being up 2-0 and then conceding the equalizer with 10 minutes left left us with a bitter taste.”
When will Messi return to the pitch?
Unlike many of the European teams, Inter Miami‘s season continues. Following their Club World Cup exit, the Herons return to MLS play. Their previously scheduled June 28 match against Atlanta United was postponed, but the Leagues Cup group stage kicks off in late July.
“I think we competed. Now that’s it, it’s over. We have to think about what’s coming next in our own tournament,” Messi ended his interview, setting expectations and addressing the team to prepare to jump back into action after a good performance in the Club World Cup.
Fortunately for fans, they won’t have to wait long. Inter Miami will be traveling to Canada to face CF Montréal on Saturday, July 5, giving Messi and the squad less than a week of rest before resuming play.
