Messi and Inter Miami will challenge Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup
Messi will face off against his former PSG teammates. The Inter Miami player will be reunited with Luis Enrique, the coach who led him at Barcelona.
Lionel Messi confronts his past or the reunion of the 'Barca' clan with his former coach Luis Enrique will be some of the highlights of the Club World Cup round of 16 clash between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Miami, after the Americans' draw against Palmeiras.
You can watch every match of the FIFA Club World Cup for free on DAZN. Subscribe.
Inter Miami looked set to top Group A when they were two goals up against Palmeiras in the 80th minute of the final group stage match. However, two goals from the Brazilians in that short period of time turned the tide and put the Brazilians first on goal difference.
The match between Inter Miami and PSG will take place on June 29 at the Mercedez-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It will be the first time Messi has faced the Parisian team since leaving France in the summer of 2023 to sign for the Floridan side.
It's no secret that the Argentine's time at PSG wasn't what either party dreamed of. His two seasons in Paris resulted in two French league titles, but two consecutive UEFA Champions League knockouts.
PSG have just tasted European glory under Spanish coach Luis Enrique. The coach arrived in France the season after Messi's departure, with whom he had shared three years at FC Barcelona.
In addition to Messi, Luis Enrique also coached Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba - all of whom are currently at Inter Miami - during his time at Barça.
Suarez himself said today in the press conference after the match with Palmeiras that he had great respect for his former coach, who he said had influenced him a lot during those three years together.
I already had a competitive DNA but he incited it more, he said.
Another former Barça player for whom the match will be special will be the Inter Miami coach, Javier Mascherano, who will have to face a tactical battle with his former coach.
Luis is a friend (...) I have a very special relationship with him, a very special one with his family. It's obviously going to be special to face him, said Mascherano after the match against Palmeiras, calling the Spaniard one of the best coaches he's had in his career.
Inter Miami finished second in Group A with five points, the same as Palmeiras but with a worse goal difference.