This Sunday, Lionel Messi faces an emotional and fiery reunion as Inter Miami takes on Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup Round of 16. The Argentine legend, now 38, has been in scintillating form, leading the MLS side with a breathtaking free-kick in a historic victory over Porto last week. Undefeated in the tournament and finishing second in Group B, Inter Miami has defied expectations. But the challenge awaiting them against reigning European champions PSG is monumental—and deeply personal for Messi.
Messi’s two-year stint at PSG, following his tearful departure from Barcelona in 2021, was meant to be a dream chapter. Teaming up with Kylian Mbappé and Neymar, the trio was poised to dominate world football. The stage was set for glory, with PSG boasting arguably the most lethal attacking line-up ever assembled. Yet, what followed was a nightmare that left scars on Messi’s storied career.
Despite delivering an impressive 32 goals and 35 assists in just 75 appearances, and securing Ligue 1 titles in both seasons, the magic never materialized. The superstar trio struggled to click, and PSG’s failure to conquer the Champions League—a trophy expected of such a talented squad—ignited frustration. The 2022-23 season was particularly bitter, with PSG scraping the league title by a single point, a far cry from the dominance anticipated.
The turning point came in May 2023, when Messi’s relationship with PSG and its fans imploded. After a Ligue 1 defeat, Messi traveled to Saudi Arabia for a promotional commitment, unaware that the trip was unauthorized. Expecting a day off, as had been customary, he was instead slapped with a shocking two-week suspension by the club. The punishment barred him from training and saw him miss two crucial matches in the title run-in. French media and fans turned on the World Cup winner, accusing him of lacking commitment.
The backlash was relentless. PSG supporters, once thrilled by Messi’s arrival, gathered outside the club’s headquarters to vent their fury. Some even protested outside Neymar’s home, but Messi bore the brunt of their wrath. Boos echoed through Parc des Princes during his final appearances, with jeers drowning out his name during the Ligue 1 trophy presentation. For the first time, the man worshipped as a god at Barcelona was vilified as an enemy in Paris.
Messi addressed the controversy with a heartfelt apology on Instagram, explaining, “I honestly thought we were going to have the day off after the match, as had happened in previous weeks. I had organized this trip to Saudi Arabia, having canceled it previously. This time, I couldn’t cancel it. I’m sorry for what I did and await the club’s decision.” But the damage was done. His exit was confirmed soon after, and Messi left PSG under a cloud, joining Inter Miami in the MLS.
Reflecting on his time in Paris, Messi didn’t hold back. In an interview with Apple Music, he revealed, “I went through two years which I didn’t enjoy. I wasn’t happy on a daily basis, with the training, the matches. I had a hard time adapting.” Speaking to beIN Sports, he added, “There was a fracture with a significant group of the Paris fans, which wasn’t my intention. It happened just as it had with Mbappé and Neymar. I’ll take away the people who respected me, as I always respected everyone.”
Now, as Messi prepares to face PSG in the USA, the wounds of his Parisian nightmare may resurface. If PSG fans are in attendance, their boos could once again fill the stands. Yet, Inter Miami’s manager, Javier Mascherano, sees an opportunity. “It’s better if he plays angry,” Mascherano told SportsCenter. “When Leo has something on his mind, he gives an extra effort. But that’s in the past now.”
Inter Miami, buoyed by their sensational tournament run, will look to channel Messi’s fire to pull off a monumental upset, much like Botafogo’s stunning group-stage victory over PSG. The clash kicks off at 5 p.m. UK time on Sunday, promising a spectacle charged with emotion, redemption, and the chance for Messi to silence his former critics on the global stage.