PSG Crush Inter Miami’s Club World Cup Dreams in One-Sided Round of 16 Clash

Inter Miami’s dream run in the inaugural Club World Cup came to a harsh but expected end on Sunday, as they were handed a humbling 4-0 defeat by European giants Paris Saint-Germain at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The matchup — a reward for Miami’s impressive group stage campaign — was always going to be a mountain to climb, and PSG made sure it stayed that way.

From the opening whistle, it was clear which team belonged at the summit of world football. PSG wasted no time settling in, forcing Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari into action just three minutes in. Two minutes later, the ball was in the back of the net. A clever free-kick routine saw Vitinha set up João Neves, who smashed home the opener. And from there, the floodgates creaked open. 

Luis Enrique’s side ran the show with calm authority, slicing through Miami’s setup with pinpoint passing and relentless movement. By halftime, they had not only scored four goals but also racked up 19 total shots, with nine on target. In contrast, Miami managed just three passes into the attacking third and didn’t register a single shot in the first half. Despite boasting a squad that includes Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and a few promising youngsters, the gap in quality was simply too wide. PSG were quicker, sharper, and more ruthless in every department. Achraf Hakimi kept intercepting passes as high as Miami’s third. The midfield trio of João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabian Ruiz swarmed Telasco Segovia and Federico Redondo. Nuno Mendes barely gave Messi any room to breathe. 

The second half, with the result beyond doubt, slowed to more of a training session for the Parisians. PSG eased off the gas and allowed Miami a little more time and space — but even that wasn’t enough to mount any kind of comeback. The MLS side couldn’t find the net, and the match fizzled out with no change to the scoreline. “We saw the difference between the teams,” said Miami boss Javier Mascherano after the match. “We’re very proud of the guys, they worked hard, they tried to play. I think we have to look forward because that was a great experience for us.” 

Mascherano wasn’t wrong. Miami may have been outclassed, but reaching the knockout rounds was an achievement in itself — especially for an MLS club. But against a team like PSG, who could easily be called the best in the world right now, they were always going to be up against it. Even Messi couldn’t save them this time. 

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