Messi’s PSG Reunion Ends in Club world Cup Defeat: A Look Back at a Turbulent Relationship
Miami, FL – June 30, 2025 – Lionel Messi‘s return to face his former club, Paris Saint-Germain, ended in a resounding 4-0 defeat for Inter Miami in the club World Cup round of 16. The loss highlights a relationship between Messi and PSG that was, ultimately, unsuccessful despite on-field achievements [[1]], [[2]].
Messi joined PSG in August 2021 after a dramatic departure from Barcelona, forming a highly-anticipated attacking trio with neymar and Kylian Mbappé. While he contributed a respectable 32 goals and 35 assists in 75 appearances, securing two Ligue 1 titles and a french Super Cup, the club failed to achieve its ultimate goal: Champions League glory during his tenure [[1]].
However, success on the pitch couldn’t overcome a disconnect with the PSG fanbase. Messi reportedly experienced a “cold treatment” from parisian supporters, never truly establishing a rapport with them [[1]]. This animosity peaked after Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory against France,with Messi being booed by PSG fans in the following months.
The recent Club World Cup clash saw PSG dominate Inter Miami, with reports highlighting a stark contrast between the energy of PSG’s players and Messi’s more subdued performance [[1]]. French sports newspaper L’Équipe noted Messi “walked while PSG players ran” during the first half, and that his impact was limited within a struggling Inter Miami team [[1]].
This defeat marks the end of Inter Miami’s run in the tournament and underscores the complex and ultimately unfulfilling chapter of Lionel Messi’s career in Paris.He ultimately chose to continue his career in Miami after his contract with PSG expired. [[1]].
