PSG vs Inter Miami: 2025 FIFA CWC round of 16 preview, prediction
Inter Miami forward, Lionel Messi (left) with PSG’s defender, Marquinhos. Photo Credit- LiveScore
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), the reigning UEFA Champions League champions, face Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami in a highly anticipated 2025 FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 clash on Sunday, June 29, 2025, 12:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CAT), Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, marking a dramatic reunion for Lionel Messi with his former club. This match will feature European dominance against MLS ambition, promises intrigue as PSG’s star-studded squad meets an Inter Miami side buoyed by Messi’s magic. This piece is set to explore both clubs’ performances, tactics, team news, injuries, head-to-head statistics, and a scoreline prediction.
PSG recent form
The Parisans enter the match as favorites, having topped Group B with a 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders in the Club World Cup group stage, despite a 1-0 loss to Botafogo. Their 2024/25 Ligue 1 campaign saw them secure a fourth consecutive title, scoring 89 goals in 34 matches. Achraf Hakimi led the way with 9 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, while Vitinha, a Ballon d’Or contender, contributed 8 goals and 10 assists. Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s goal contributions underscored PSG’s attacking depth. A Coupe de France final win over Reims in May 2025 further showcased their dominance.
PSG’s tactical analysis
Under Luis Enrique, PSG deploy a fluid 4-3-3, emphasizing high pressing and attacking versatility. Vitinha anchors the midfield alongside Joao Neves and Fabian Ruiz, with Neves and Vitinha’s driving PSG’s control. Dembele and Kvaratskhelia flank Desire Doue, who often drops deep as a false nine, creating space for wingers. Achraf Hakimi’s overlapping runs and Nuno Mendes’ defensive solidity make the flanks lethal. PSG’s press, led by Vitinha’s ball recoveries, ranks in the 95th percentile, but their high line conceded in 12 of 25 Ligue 1 games, a potential weakness against Miami’s counter-attacks.
PSG’s team news and injuries
PSG face injury concerns, with Ousmane Dembélé ruled out for a third consecutive game due to a hamstring injury sustained in May 2025, per Yahoo Sports. Goncalo Ramos is doubtful with an ankle issue, leaving Desire Doue likely to start as the No. 9. No other major injuries are reported, with Hakimi, Marquinhos, and Vitinha confirmed to start. New signing William Pacho bolsters the defense, while Kvaratskhelia’s recent form adds firepower. Luis Enrique may rotate, with Bradley Barcola pushing for minutes after assisting Hakimi against Seattle.
Predicted PSG XI (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Hakimi, Marquinhos, Pacho, Mendes; Neves, Vitinha, Ruiz; Kvaratskhelia, Doué, Barcola.
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Inter Miami recent form
Inter Miami qualified for the Round of 16 as Group A runners-up, finishing unbeaten with a 2-1 win over Porto and draws against Al Ahly and Palmeiras. Their 2024 MLS season ended with a Supporters’ Shield win, led by Lionel Messi’s 20 goals and 10 assists in 19 matches. Luis Suarez was also impressive in the attack, while youngsters Telasco Segovia and Tadeo Allende impressed, with Segovia scoring against Palmeiras. Despite their domestic success, Inter Miami’s late collapse against Palmeiras, conceding twice in the final 10 minutes, cost them first place and set up this daunting clash with PSG. Coach Javier Mascherano’s side, ranked 23rd in the tournament, defied expectations.
Inter Miami’s tactical analysis
Javier Mascherano’s 4-2-3-1 relies on Messi’s playmaking, with the 38-year-old operating as a No. 10 or right winger. Suarez leads the line, supported by Allende and Diego Gomez, while Telasco Segovia and Julian Gressel form a robust midfield pivot. Jordi Alba’s forward runs from left-back mirror Hakimi’s role, but Miami’s defense, led by Tomas Aviles, conceded 1.4 goals per game in MLS. Their counter-attacking style, with Messi’s 2.5 key passes per 90, exploits transitions, but their 45% possession against Palmeiras suggests they’ll struggle to control the game against PSG’s midfield dominance. Mascherano’s mindset hints at an aggressive approach to upset the odds.
Inter Miami team news and injuries
Inter Miami are without key defender Ian Fray, sidelined by a knee injury from the Palmeiras match. Leo Campana is also doubtful with a minor knock, potentially forcing Mascherano to rely on Suárez up top. Messi, Suarez, and Alba are fit, with Messi’s recent yellow card against Palmeiras not resulting in a suspension. Benjamin Cremaschi, recovered from a spring injury, is available, and youngsters Segovia and Allende are expected to feature after strong group-stage showings.
Predicted Inter Miami XI (4-2-3-1): Callender; Weigandt, Aviles, Allen, Alba; Gressel, Segovia; Gómez, Messi, Allende; Suarez.
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PSG vs Inter Miami head-to-head statistics
PSG and Inter Miami have never met competitively, making this their first encounter. However, the matchup carries historical weight due to Messi’s two seasons at PSG (2021-2023), where he scored 32 goals in 75 games, winning two Ligue 1 titles but falling short in the Champions League. His departure was marred by fan discontent.
PSG vs Inter Miami prediction
PSG are overwhelming favorites. PSG’s 5-0 Champions League triumph and 2-0 group-stage win over Seattle showcase their superiority, while Miami’s resilience, unbeaten in Group A with a +1 goal difference suggests they can compete. Messi’s 2 assists against Palmeiras and Suarez’s goal-scoring form offer hope, but PSG’s midfield control and Hakimi’s attacking threat should overpower Miami’s defense, especially without Fray. Miami’s counter-attacks may yield a goal, but PSG’s depth and press will likely dominate.
