Paris Saint-Germain Dominates Inter Miami in 4-0 Victory
In a highly anticipated clash at the Club World Cup, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a commanding performance, defeating Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-0 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This decisive victory earned PSG a place in the quarterfinals, where they await the winner of the match between Bayern Munich and Flamengo.
A Dream Start for PSG
PSG wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just five minutes into the match, they won a free kick just outside the penalty area, thanks to a clever maneuver by Desire Doue. Vitinha took the set piece, delivering a precise cross that Joao Neves expertly converted with a header, sending the ball across Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari and into the net. This early goal set the tone for PSG, instilling confidence and control in their gameplay.
Inter Miami’s Struggles
The night was especially challenging for Inter Miami, who appeared overwhelmed by PSG’s relentless offensive pressure. A defensive mishap compounded their issues in the 19th minute when Noah Allen, a key defender, had to be substituted due to injury. His replacement, Tomas Aviles, faced immediate scrutiny, receiving a yellow card for tripping Nuno Mendes shortly after taking the field.
Despite their best efforts, Miami struggled to find rhythm, holding zero shots for the first 50 minutes. This lack of offensive output was emblematic of their overall performance, which fell short against a well-organized PSG side.
Dominance Continues for PSG
Joao Neves, fresh off his opening goal, was a constant threat throughout the match. He doubled the lead in the 39th minute, taking advantage of a costly turnover by Miami’s Sergio Busquets. After Fabian Ruiz dispossessed Busquets, a quick sequence of passes set Neves up for a clean shot from the center of the box, putting PSG ahead 2-0.
The first half ended with another stroke of misfortune for Miami. Aviles, in an accidental attempt to clear a cross, headed the ball into his own net just before halftime. This own goal exemplified Miami’s struggles and frustration in a tough match.
Hakimi Makes His Mark
PSG’s scoring frenzy didn’t stop there. Just moments later, Bradley Barcola made a significant run into the box and set up Achraf Hakimi for a shot. After Hakimi’s initial attempt ricocheted off Ustari and the crossbar, he reacted quickly, scoring from the rebound to bring the score to 4-0, solidifying PSG’s dominance before the break.
Messi’s Attempt to Spark a Comeback
The second half witnessed a slight shift as Inter Miami finally began to exhibit offensive intent. Messi, who faced PSG for the first time since his departure, became increasingly involved in the play. He registered Miami’s first shot attempt just after halftime, with a left-footer that was deflected over the net.
One of Messi’s best setups came in the early moments of the second half when he fed Luis Suarez, who found himself in a promising position. However, Suarez’s inability to convert showcased the collective frustration of the Miami squad, underscoring their lack of finishing power that night.
As the match progressed, Messi did manage to direct a header on goal in the 63rd minute, testing Gianluigi Donnarumma, who made a routine save. Despite some late-game pressures, including Messi’s header, Miami could not find the back of the net.
Players’ Reflections
After the match, Joao Neves expressed his excitement, saying, “It is the first time I have scored two [goals] in one game, so I am very happy. But I am happier for the win.” His contributions were key to PSG’s success, and he noted the team’s confidence heading into the quarterfinals, regardless of their next opponent.
On the other hand, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano reflected on the experience, acknowledging the formidable challenge PSG posed. "We knew today was going to be very, very difficult. They [PSG] are probably the best team in the world,” he stated, underlining the match as a critical learning opportunity for his team.
Looking Ahead
As PSG moves forward, they will benefit from this decisive victory, heading into the quarterfinals with momentum and a growing sense of unity. Inter Miami, meanwhile, faces the task of regrouping and evaluating their strategy as they continue their journey in the competitive landscape of international football.
