Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) showcased their dominance as Europe’s premier football club with an emphatic win in the Champions League, and now they are setting their sights on achieving global glory. On Sunday, PSG delivered an impressive performance at the Club World Cup, decisively overcoming Lionel Messi and Inter Miami with a commanding first-half display that ended in a 4-0 triumph.
European football giants such as PSG initially showed reluctance about participating in the newly expanded tournament at the season’s end, yet the club has embraced the competition seriously in its 32-team format. Despite a narrow 1-0 defeat in group play to Brazilian side Botafogo, PSG has secured three victories with a substantial tally of 10-0 since arriving in the United States.
“This season is historic for us, and we aim to extend our legacy through this tournament,” expressed PSG coach Luis Enrique via an interpreter. “We strive for silverware, and although this season is lengthy for all clubs, we are thrilled to be involved.”
PSG has now secured a spot in the quarterfinals, with a matchup against Bayern Munich scheduled for next Saturday in Atlanta. The German champions moved forward by defeating Flamengo 4-2.
The clash against Messi garnered substantial excitement, as the Argentine legend, who graced PSG for two seasons before heading to South Florida, reunited with his former Barcelona manager. Despite Messi’s presence, the Major League Soccer team was no match for PSG’s deep and skilled roster, which previously thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League finale.
João Neves was a standout, netting two pivotal goals for PSG. He initiated the scoring with a header following a free kick just six minutes in. He doubled the lead in the 39th minute, capitalizing on Inter Miami’s crumble late in the first half. Tomás Avilés inadvertently contributed to PSG’s lead with an own goal, and Achraf Hakimi extended his impressive season with a goal in stoppage time.
With a solid four-goal lead by halftime, PSG could comfortably prepare for their upcoming encounter. “Regardless of the opponent, we play our style,” noted Neves. “We’re confident in our abilities.”
Messi struggled to influence the match as Inter Miami barely breached the halfway line during the first half. The pink-clad supporters in the 65,574-strong crowd at Mercedes-Benz Stadium called out for their star with chants of “Messi! Messi! Messi!” but it did little to shift the momentum.
“Their young, skilled players, with a fantastic coach at the helm, maintained relentless pressure,” said Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano via an interpreter. “PSG looks to be a team destined for the history books.”
PSG also had the positive development of integrating French star Ousmane Dembélé into the fold, marking his first appearance in the competition post-recovery from a quadriceps injury sustained on national duty. He replaced Neves in the 62nd minute.
“It’s crucial for us to reintegrate our injured players,” Enrique remarked. “Our focus is on our objectives and getting our roster back to full strength.” With another trophy within their grasp, PSG is determined to press on.