PSG Demolishes Messi's Inter Miami in Club World Cup, Bayern Munich Quarterfinal Looms

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) delivered a dominant performance against Inter Miami, securing a resounding 4-0 victory in their Club World Cup last-16 encounter on Sunday in Atlanta. Joao Neves emerged as the star, bagging two goals, while Achraf Hakimi and an own goal by Tomas Aviles completed the rout.

Image: A dejected Lionel Messi walks off the field as PSG celebrates their dominant win.

Despite boasting a star-studded lineup featuring Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami was outclassed by the reigning European champions.

PSG wasted no time asserting their dominance, with Neves heading in a free-kick from Vitinha within the first six minutes. The French side maintained relentless pressure, effectively stifling Messi's impact on the game throughout the first half.

The goals began to flow late in the first half, with PSG hitting three in a remarkable 10-minute spell. Neves capitalized on a Busquets error to score his second, followed by Aviles' unfortunate own goal from a Doue cross. Hakimi then added a fourth, slotting home the rebound after his initial shot struck the crossbar.

"We had to play a serious game, the competition is really starting and I think we played well," commented PSG winger Ousmane Dembele, marking his return from injury.

The match drew a crowd of 66,000 to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with many fans sporting Miami's pink jerseys or Argentina shirts in support of Messi.

Despite the significant deficit, Messi displayed his trademark determination in the second half, creating a chance for Suarez with an exquisite chip pass and forcing a save from PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with a well-placed low shot. The veteran Argentine showed his frustration at times, notably directing his anger towards Vitinha during one incident.

Alba conceded, "I think we were above the expectations people had for us (at the tournament), we were the best team in our group, obviously we were facing the best team in the world playing football right now, so it was difficult." He added that Inter Miami competed in the first half and controlled the game in the second half.

PSG's emphatic win sets up a tantalizing quarter-final clash against either Bayern Munich or Flamengo, scheduled for Saturday in Atlanta.

Other notable moments included Kvaratskhelia setting up Barcola early in the game, only to be denied by Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari. Dembele made his return as a substitute but showed some signs of rust after recovering from his hamstring injury. Messi had a late chance to score from a free-kick, but his effort was blocked by the wall.

While Miami showed improvement in the second half, the final score was less damaging than PSG's recent 5-0 victory over Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

PSG, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, showcased their superior quality and tactical prowess, reinforcing their status as one of the frontrunners to win the Club World Cup.

Although Miami's Club World Cup journey has ended, they can take pride in progressing from their group before encountering the formidable PSG in the knockout stage.