The football world holds its breath as two global powerhouses, each boasting incredible talent, prepare to collide. Lionel Messi, leading his trailblazing Inter Miami squad, is set to face off against the formidable, reigning UEFA Champions League winners, Paris Saint-Germain, in a highly anticipated Round of 16 clash at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. This epic encounter promises to be a true spectacle of skill, strategy, and sheer star power.
Scheduled for Sunday, this monumental fixture unfolds at the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. For football enthusiasts worldwide, particularly those following Messi’s journey in Major League Soccer (MLS), this is more than just a game; it’s a test of wills, a clash of footballing philosophies, and a chance for Inter Miami to etch their name deeper into history.
Inter Miami’s Unforgettable Journey to the Knockouts
Inter Miami’s path to this stage has been anything but conventional, marked by resilience and dramatic moments. In a fiercely competitive Group A, the Herons demonstrated their capabilities by securing a crucial 2-1 victory over Portuguese giants FC Porto. While they shared the spoils in hard-fought draws against Brazilian powerhouse Palmeiras and Egyptian champions Al Ahly, these results were enough to see them finish second in their group, showcasing their tenacity on the global stage.
Their group stage performance underscored the seamless integration of their legendary figures – Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets – with the burgeoning talent of their younger squad members. The team’s evolution under the guidance of coach Javier Mascherano has been a compelling narrative, proving they are far more than just a collection of individual stars.
Paris Saint-Germain: Reigning Champions’ Road
Across the Atlantic, Paris Saint-Germain arrived in the USA as the newly crowned kings of European club football, having clinched their maiden Champions League trophy. Their journey through the FIFA Club World Cup group stage was largely dominant, kicking off with a sensational 4-0 demolition of Spanish contenders Atlético Madrid. Although they experienced a minor stumble with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Brazilian side Botafogo, they quickly reaffirmed their authority.
PSG concluded their group stage campaign on a high note, delivering a professional 2-0 victory against MLS representatives Seattle Sounders. This performance solidified their position atop their group, showcasing the depth and quality that Head Coach Luis Enrique has meticulously cultivated within the squad.
The Titans Collide: Analyzing the Matchup
The statistical odds heavily favor the Parisian outfit. Esteemed Opta analysts place PSG’s chances of victory at a formidable 80.2%, a reflection of their recent European triumph and the sheer depth of their talent pool. However, in knockout football, especially on a stage as grand as the FIFA Club World Cup, the underdog often finds an extra gear.
This match isn’t just about statistics; it’s about narrative. Can Messi lead his relatively nascent MLS side to triumph over the established European elite? Can PSG cement their status as the undisputed best club team in the world? The answers will unfold on the pitch.
Where to Witness the Spectacle: Live Streaming Details
For fans eager to catch every moment of this enthralling FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 clash, here’s how to tune in:
- Match Venue: The grand stage for this encounter is the iconic Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, a fitting arena for such a high-profile fixture.
- Kick-off Time: Mark your calendars! The match is scheduled for June 29, with kick-off at 9:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST).
How to Watch in India
- Live Streaming: Football aficionados in India will be able to stream the PSG vs Inter Miami match live and for free on the DAZN app and its official website. Prepare for an unforgettable viewing experience.
- Television Broadcast: Please note that this electrifying FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 match will not be available for live telecast on any television channels in India. The DAZN platform is your exclusive gateway to the action.
Predicted Lineups: The Tactical Chessboard
Anticipating the starting elevens offers a glimpse into the tactical approaches of both managerial masterminds, Luis Enrique and Javier Mascherano.
Paris Saint-Germain (4-3-3 Formation)
- Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma
- Defenders: Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos (Captain), Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes
- Midfielders: João Neves, Vitinha, Fabián Ruiz
- Forwards: Désiré Doué, Gonçalo Ramos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia
PSG’s predicted lineup showcases a blend of defensive solidity, midfield creativity, and a potent attacking trident designed to exploit space and overwhelm defenses. The inclusion of new signings like João Neves and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia suggests a renewed dynamism.
Inter Miami (4-4-2 Formation)
- Goalkeeper: Oscar Ustari
- Defenders: Marcelo Weigandt, Tomás Avilés, Maximiliano Falcón, Noah Allen
- Midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, Tadeo Allende, Telasco Segovia
- Forwards: Lionel Messi (Captain), Luis Suárez
Inter Miami’s predicted setup highlights their reliance on the midfield control offered by Busquets and Redondo, providing the foundation for Messi and Suárez to weave their magic upfront. The defensive structure will be crucial against PSG’s high-octane attack.
Full Squad Roster: The Depth Charts
A look at the complete squads reveals the incredible depth both teams possess, ready to be called upon should tactical changes or injuries necessitate.
Paris Saint-Germain Full Squad
Gianluigi Donnarumma, Achraf Hakimi, Presnel Kimpembe, Lucas Beraldo, Marquinhos, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Fabián Ruiz, Gonçalo Ramos, Ousmane Dembele, Désiré Doué, Vitinha, Lee Kang-in, Gabriel Moscardo, Lucas Hernandez, Senny Mayulu, Nuno Mendes, Bradley Barcola, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Matvey Safonov, Yoram Zague, Noham Kamara, Naoufel El Hannach, Ibrahim Mbaye, Lucas Lavallée, Willian Pacho, Arnau Tenas, João Neves.
- Head Coach: Luis Enrique
Inter Miami Full Squad
Drake Callender, Gonzalo Lujan, Sergio Busquets, Tomás Aviles, Fafà Picault, Telasco Segovia, Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi, Baltasar Rodríguez, David Martínez, Ryan Sailor, Ian Fray, Jordi Alba, Oscar Ustari, Tadeo Allende, Leo Afonso, William Yarbrough, Tyler Hall, Allen Obando, Benjamin Cremaschi, Noah Allen, Rocco Ríos Novo, Maximiliano Falcón, David Ruiz, Yannick Bright, Federico Redondo, Marcelo Weigandt, Israel Boatwright, Santiago Morales.
- Head Coach: Javier Mascherano
As the countdown begins, the anticipation is palpable. This FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 clash between PSG and Inter Miami is poised to deliver a footballing spectacle for the ages, a true testament to the beautiful game’s global appeal and the magnetic power of its greatest stars.
