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Lionel Messi Makes Strong Statement Before PSG-Inter Miami Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Beren | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 3:31 PM ET

The newly-expanded FIFA Club World Cup has been full of surprises. The 32-team tournament has seen the rise of South American sides like Botafogo, Flamengo and Palmeiras, while European giants Atletico Madrid suffered a group stage elimination on June 23.

Inter Miami have been among the new-look tournament's surprise packages. Despite a lineup that features notable players Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, Inter Miami entered the Club World Cup in poor form, with just two wins from the previous six games in MLS.

But after an undefeated group stage, Inter Miami have progressed to the round of 16 - which will have extra significance for Messi.

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A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

This is because Miami will take on European champions Paris Saint-Germain at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. And Messi, a former PSG player, has sent a strong message entering a matchup in which his current team will be heavy underdogs.

"Although we could have won yesterday, the truth is we achieved a qualification to the round of 16 which means a lot to us as a club," Messi wrote on Instagram after Monday's 2-2 draw with Palmeiras. "One more historic step, both for @intermiamicf and the @mls."

After ending his legendary stint at FC Barcelona in 2021, Messi joined PSG on a free transfer. But despite claiming three trophies in Paris, Messi's time in France was underwhelming; PSG failed to win the Champions League in his two seasons, and the Argentina legend left for the United States last summer.

With a matchup looming against his old teammates, Messi is doubtlessly looking to add yet another magic moment to a career already filled with unforgettable memories.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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