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| Difficult but Not Impossible: How Inter Miami Can Shock PSG in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16. |
The showdown between Inter Miami and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 is one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament. For the first time in his career, Lionel Messi will face his former club as the underdog Inter Miami squad takes on the UEFA Champions League winners.
The match, scheduled for Sunday, is expected to be Miami’s toughest test yet. Even though they’ve made history by defeating FC Porto 2–1 in the group stage—the first time an MLS team has beaten a European club in a competitive setting—facing a powerhouse like PSG is a completely different challenge.
PSG Are Favorites, But Inter Miami Still Have a Fighting Chance
According to Opta’s supercomputer, PSG holds an 80% chance of winning this matchup. That number may even be conservative considering the clear disparity between a mid-table MLS team and one of the most stacked squads in world football.
Still, history in football is filled with unexpected results, and Inter Miami can write their own miracle. If they are to pull off one of the biggest upsets in FIFA Club World Cup history, they must succeed in three key areas.
1. Follow Botafogo’s Blueprint: Quick Breaks and Ruthless Finishing
Back in MLS, Inter Miami are used to controlling possession. However, in the Club World Cup, they've adjusted well to facing tougher, possession-dominant opponents. Against PSG, they’ll need to fully embrace a more reactive, opportunistic approach.
Botafogo offered the perfect game plan earlier in the tournament: hit PSG on the counterattack and make sure to capitalize on the few chances you get.
Even the best teams are prone to defensive lapses. PSG’s high defensive line has already been exposed during the tournament, particularly with balls played in behind. That’s where Inter Miami can hurt them, especially with forwards like Luis Suárez or Tadeo Allende who excel in transitional play.
But conversion is critical. In a game where chances are likely to be rare, missing even one golden opportunity could end all hope.
2. Defensive Discipline and Tactical Patience Are Key
Inter Miami's defensive organization has significantly improved compared to their early-season form in MLS, where they often looked disjointed and fragile.
Led by center backs Tomas Avilés and Maxi Falcon, and supported by wing-backs like Noah Allen and Marcelo Weigandt, Miami has opted for a deeper, more compact defensive line throughout the tournament. This setup has allowed them to better absorb pressure and launch structured counters.
Veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets also plays a crucial role in this system. By sitting deeper and distributing with precision, Busquets controls tempo and helps relieve pressure—especially valuable against an aggressive PSG midfield.
With a more coherent and balanced backline, Inter Miami have become less vulnerable to being overrun and more capable of sustaining pressure without panicking. This patient approach could be essential to frustrating PSG and forcing mistakes.
3. Lionel Messi’s Magic Can Still Change Everything
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Lionel Messi remains Inter Miami’s ultimate weapon.
At 38, he is no longer the explosive dribbler he once was, but his passing vision, close control, and set-piece ability are still world-class. Against FC Porto, he demonstrated this with a stunning free-kick goal that helped secure the group stage win.
Throughout the tournament, Messi has continued to find pockets of space, drawing defenders and opening up opportunities for teammates like Telasco Segovia, Luis Suárez, and Allende.
Going up against his former team for the first time will no doubt fuel Messi’s motivation. His 50 club goals for Inter Miami have proven he still has plenty to offer. If the game offers him even the smallest window—a free kick, a cut inside the box, or a quick combination—he could produce the moment that changes the course of the match.
An Uphill Battle, But Not an Impossible One
On paper, PSG is clearly the favorite, and few would expect anything other than a win for the European giants. However, football isn’t played on spreadsheets.
Inter Miami has the pieces: a clearer tactical identity under coach Javier Mascherano, an improving defense, and a front line that includes not just star power but experience. Most importantly, they have Lionel Messi—someone capable of delivering when it matters most.
For Inter Miami to pull off what would be a legendary victory, they’ll need a perfect blend of discipline, focus, and a little bit of magic.
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