In an unexpected turn of events, Lionel Messi faced a disheartening defeat at the hands of his former club, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), as they decisively defeated Inter Miami 4-0 during the recent Club World Cup in Atlanta. Once the torchbearer of the French club’s ambitions, the Argentinian maestro now experienced the harsher realities of an unforgiving sport.
PSG, flush with confidence and a point to prove, quickly asserted their dominance, racing to a striking 4-0 lead by half-time. The goals were scored by Joao Neves, who netted twice, and Achraf Hakimi, with an additional own goal from Tomas Aviles adding to the Miami woes. The impressive display of the Champions League winners left no room for doubt; they were a side transformed under the management of Luis Enrique, Messi’s former coach at Barcelona.
After leaving PSG in 2023, citing concerns about the club’s ability to compete at the highest level in Europe, Messi found his past decisions under scrutiny on this grand stage. His departure had raised eyebrows, leave PSG with little to prove this time around, having recently secured the UEFA Champions League title. Their performance at the Club World Cup reflected a new identity, shedding the image of a conglomeration of star players who often fell short of expectations.
Of particular intrigue was the matchup between PSG and Messi’s current team, Inter Miami, which features the superstar alongside former Barcelona teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. However, the contest was a stark reminder of the yawning gap between continental champions PSG and a Miami team still finding its footing in the competitive landscape of international football.
As the second half commenced, PSG opted for a more conservative approach, allowing the game to gradually wind down with the scoreline intact. Yet, the narrative in the stands had taken a sharp, unkind twist. Some Atlanta fans held a banner depicting the once-great Messi with a bald head, grey beard, and missing teeth—a visual metaphor for the toll time has taken on the 38-year-old icon. Moreover, reaction on social media did little to soothe the barrage of criticism directed at Messi.
“This match is a humiliation ritual for Messi,” one user lamented on X, while another noted, “Messi is just walking around,” highlighting perceptions about his performance. Video clips circulated online showing PSG defenders, Nuno Mendes and Neves, brushing him off the ball, further amplifying the scrutiny.
However, as some supporters interpreted it, PSG appeared to carry a personal vendetta as they sought to avenge what they perceived as dismissive comments from Messi upon his exit. “Looks like PSG came with a point to prove – payback for all that trash talk when he left the club,” remarked one observer, underscoring the emotional undercurrents that shaped this encounter.
As Messi now navigates the twilight of his illustrious career, the intersection of fierce competitive spirit and raw emotion continues to define his journey—underscored, poignantly, by a match that many will not soon forget.