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Messi awaits, but PSG won’t blink
- Paris Saint-Germain meet Inter Miami CF in a headline round of 16 bout at the FIFA Club World Cup
- Miami talisman Lionel Messi will face off against a host of his former PSG team-mates
- Desire Doue, Joao Neves and Lucas Hernandez discuss Messi's legacy and the Atlanta showdown
Under the blazing Atlanta sun, Paris Saint-Germain went through their final preparations ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup™ round of 16 showdown with Inter Miami CF at Kennesaw State University. Naturally, much of the focus in the build-up has been focussed around the clash of Lionel Messi and his former club. Messi is the headline act in a match packed with talking points, having spent two seasons at PSG, where he helped deliver two Ligue 1 titles and a Trophee des Champions.
With the UEFA Champions League title having eluded him, the Argentine superstar moved to Florida to join Miami in June 2023, and has since lit up Major League Soccer across the United States. The exits of Messi, Neymar and Kylian Mbappe marked the end of an era for PSG, but under Luis Enrique, they have rebuilt with renewed purpose and were rewarded with victory in the Champions League last season.
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After turning heads with their group-stage performance in the USA, the Herons will now aim to bring down the newly crowned European champions. It won’t be easy for Javier Mascherano’s side, but with their Argentine captain on board, they believe in their chances. Having just celebrated his 38th birthday, Messi has once again proved himself ageless, with dazzling performances against the world’s best in this tournament. Against PSG, he’ll face a side packed with young talent, players who grew up idolising him and can still recall his most legendary matches.
One of those is starlet Desire Doue, who is thrilled to have the chance to compete against Messi. "He’s one of the greatest players ever. He’s made history, he’s a GOAT, one of the best of all time. He was an inspiration to me when I was a kid and, without a doubt, his legacy will last for generations to come.”
Having joined the Parisian club from Rennes in August 2024, Doue never shared a dressing room with Messi but nine of the current PSG squad did. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Presnel Kimpembe, Marquinhos, Fabian Ruiz, Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, Bradley Barcola and Warren Zaire-Emery all played alongside Messi but will now go up against him in Atlanta.
Lucas Hernandez is another who knows the FIFA World Cup™ winner well, having faced Messi while at Atlético de Madrid, FC Bayern München and internationally with France, notably in the dramatic 4-3, round of 16, win over Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup™. “He’s been a global football icon for a long time and that’s never going to change. He’s a such a phenomenal player that you know it’s not going to be easy with him on the pitch.”
Despite Messi's ever-present threat, the European champions are adamant they won’t be changing their game plan. “It’s not about adapting to the opposition, it’s about making them adapt to us”, said Hernandez. “We’ve played this way for the past year, and tomorrow will be no different. We need to be brave on the ball and make the most of the space, just like we always do,” he added.
Joao Neves, who joined the team in 2024 and quickly established himself as a key figure in PSG’s midfield, echoes his teammate’s thoughts. “We prepare the same way for every game but facing a player like Messi always gives you an extra push, extra motivation. We keep the focus on our team, our style of play. “Everyone knows how good Messi is individually. If he’s given the space to operate, he is incredibly dangerous.”
“We’re calm. We’re focusing on ourselves”, added Hernandez. “Tomorrow is just another match and Messi’s just another player. We’re going to stick to our game plan and we’re going there to win. Sure, it’s a privilege to play against someone of his calibre, but it won’t alter how we prepare for the match.”
While Messi has been grabbing the headlines, Inter Miami have proven during this tournament that they’re far from a one-man show. With Luis Suarez delivering a sublime strike against SE Palmeiras, Sergio Busquets dictating play in midfield, and several new faces making their mark, the Herons impressed in the group stage. “It’s a strong side, full of experience and big names. We know they’re going to test us,” said Doue. “At the end of the day, it’s a football match and they’ve got some fantastic players. We’ll need to give it our all, but that’s what fires us up.”
The stage is set for Sunday, with all eyes watching the two sides face off in what’s set to be a blockbuster clash. “We just need to focus on ourselves and the way we play,” said Neves. “Of course, they’re a good side, but we’re going to stick to our game plan and fight. I think, as a team, we’re stronger, but in the knockout stages, if either side lets their guard down, they could be going home.”
