Messi's Reunion Tour He Wasn't the Only One Facing His Past!

Friends Reunited: More Than Just Messi Faced PSG at the FIFA Club World Cup

Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta – The atmosphere was electric. All eyes were on Lionel Messi's return to Atlanta, facing his former club, the indomitable Paris Saint-Germain, in the FIFA Club World Cup round of 16. But the narrative ran far deeper than just Messi's homecoming. It was a reunion of epic proportions, a collision of past and present.

PSG's manager, Luis Enrique, found himself strategizing against not just one, but four players he once commanded at Barcelona's Camp Nou: Messi, of course, but also the formidable trio of Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. These are players who, even in Messi's luminous shadow, are capable of dominating the headlines.

Adding another layer to this intricate tapestry, Inter Miami's sideline was patrolled by Javier Mascherano, a key figure in Enrique's treble-winning Barcelona squad during the unforgettable 2014-15 season. The connections were undeniable, the history palpable.

Remember the "remontada" of 2017? Miami’s Barça alumni played pivotal roles in Barcelona’s unbelievable comeback against PSG, overturning a seemingly insurmountable 4-0 first-leg deficit with a stunning 6-1 victory in the return leg. This round of 16 clash crackled with narrative significance.

And then there was David Beckham, Inter Miami's co-owner, watching from the stands, fresh from recent surgery. Beckham's history with PSG is more than a fleeting memory; it's a chapter etched in emotion. He ended his illustrious playing career with the Parisian club, famously shedding tears upon his retirement in May 2013, after securing his fourth league title across four different countries: England, Spain, the United States, and France.

Beckham's connection to PSG extends beyond his playing days. As he revealed to TNT Sports/DAZN before the match: “To be honest, it’s quite an emotional match for me. I only spent six months there, but it felt like 16 years. It’s a real family, it’s a real special club, owned by special people, run by a special man, and we’re very proud of this moment.”

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham gestures ahead of the match. (Image Source: AP)

Entering the match, PSG were the clear favorites. Inter Miami, despite showcasing flashes of brilliance from their star-studded lineup, were considered underdogs. Could Inter Miami exit with dignity, a respectable loss against the European giants? Opta's supercomputer certainly leaned towards a PSG victory, giving them a 20.6% chance of winning the entire Club World Cup compared to Inter Miami's meager 0.3%.

But as we all know, football thrives on the unexpected. And for Messi, this game carried an additional layer of significance. Having never faced a former club in his illustrious career, this match against PSG was a unique milestone.

Ultimately, PSG showcased their dominance, racing to a 4-0 lead, punctuated by a brace from João Neves, an own goal, and a strike from Achraf Hakimi. The second half became more of an exhibition, with PSG easing off the pressure, while the stadium seemed united in their desire to see Messi find the back of the net.

Reflecting on the match, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the harsh lesson learned. Meanwhile, PSG's Luis Enrique hailed it as "an almost perfect match."

PSG star Ousmane Dembélé, speaking to CNN Sports, expressed his joy at facing Messi, stating it gave him "pleasure" to see him. This sentiment highlights the enduring respect Messi commands, even as he enters the twilight of his career. Could this have been Messi’s final game on the global stage?

Here’s a summary of the key highlights:

• Messi's Return: He faced his former club, PSG, for the first time in his career.
• Barcelona Reunion: Luis Enrique coached against Messi, Suárez, Alba, and Busquets – all former players he managed at Barcelona.
• Beckham's Connection: The Inter Miami co-owner shared his emotional ties to PSG.
• PSG's Dominance: They cruised to a 4-0 victory, showcasing their strength as European champions.
• Future Prospects: PSG advances to face Bayern Munich, while questions linger about Messi's future on the global stage.

While PSG moves forward, their eyes set on the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich, the match against Inter Miami served as a poignant reminder of the enduring connections that shape the beautiful game. It was a reunion of friends, rivals, and legends, a testament to the rich tapestry of footballing history. The outcome might not have been what Miami fans hoped for, but the spectacle, the narrative, and the reunion made it a match to remember.

Tags: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, FIFA, Club World Cup, PSG, Luis Enrique, Barcelona, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets

Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/30/sport/lionel-messi-inter-miami-psg-cwc-spt