PSG Takes Revenge on Messi: Old Wounds Reopened in Club World Cup Showdown

Paris Saint-Germain sent a brutal message on June 29 in Atlanta’s Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, beating Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4–0 to advance to the quarterfinals of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. The goals were all delivered before halftime: João Neves struck in the 6′ and 39′ minutes, Tomas Avilés diverted a cross into his own net in the 44′, and Achraf Hakimi finished the rout in stoppage time of the first period.

From the outset, PSG stamped their authority. Miami barely registered, managing only 25 passes in PSG’s half compared to PSG’s 257 by halftime. Messi, in his first game against his former club since leaving in 2023, struggled to influence proceedings. His lone header was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, and a free-kick slammed into the wall, failing to ease the intense pressure.

Lionel Messi’s time at Paris Saint-Germain (2021–2023) was anything but smooth. Although he recorded 32 goals and 35 assists in 75 appearances and helped PSG win two Ligue 1 titles, his stint in Paris was overshadowed by repeated Champions League failures and a growing disconnect with the club’s fans and media.

The turning point came in 2023, when Messi skipped a training session to take a personal promotional trip to Saudi Arabia without prior approval from the club. PSG responded by issuing a two-week suspension, and the fallout was immediate. Supporters gathered outside the club’s headquarters chanting for his exit, while the ultras displayed aggressive banners in protest.

After serving his suspension, Messi issued a public apology in a video message, but the damage was already done. Reflecting on his time in Paris after leaving, he later admitted that he “wasn’t happy” at PSG and often felt alienated by fans, especially after the 2022 World Cup.

The French media were relentlessly critical throughout his stay. Renowned sports outlet L’Équipe frequently gave him poor match ratings and described his performances as passive—calling him a “walking statue.” Former PSG player turned pundit Jérôme Rothen went even further, accusing Messi of showing no respect toward the club or its supporters. The sentiment was echoed by the Collectif Ultras Paris, who booed Messi at home games, unfurled banners celebrating his departure, and labeled him as nothing more than a “tourist” in their city.

“Messi disrespected PSG. He never adapted. He didn’t speak, didn’t engage, and mocked the club that supported him.”

These remarks reflected a growing sentiment in France: that Messi’s stay, while historic in name, lacked the passion and fire fans had hoped for.

Perhaps the most shocking turn came from PSG’s own hardcore fanbase. The Collectif Ultras Paris (CUP)—who had once welcomed Messi with excitement—publicly turned their backs on him.

• They booed his name at the Parc des Princes, even after assists or goals.
• They unfurled banners thanking him for leaving, with messages like “Finally free of the rude” and “No more tourists”.
• Their relationship with Messi ended in open hostility.

While Messi had enjoyed global adoration following his 2022 World Cup win, in Paris, his final months were cold and contentious.

Messi’s time at PSG will be remembered not just for the on-field output—but for the disconnect between the player and the institution. From tactical misalignments and media pressure to fan rejection and disciplinary trouble, his two seasons in Paris served as a reminder that even legends can struggle when the chemistry isn’t right.

As Lionel Messi prepared to face Paris Saint-Germain for the first time since his turbulent departure, the pre-match atmosphere was charged with emotion and unresolved tension. Spanish outlet AS summed it up perfectly, stating that “Messi and PSG are not at peace,” a clear reminder that the wounds from his controversial exit in 2023 were still fresh in the minds of many fans.

In France, major sports publications like L’Équipe openly questioned whether time had healed the rift. The sentiment among French media was clear: it was a reckoning. Some pundits even debated whether Messi deserved forgiveness from the PSG faithful at all.

The match included a raw flashpoint—Messi was caught on camera appearing to lunge at former PSG teammate Vitinha, evoking memories of their 2023 training ground dispute.

In the midst of PSG’s dominant performance, one particular moment stood out—a tense exchange that reignited headlines. Cameras captured Lionel Messi appearing to lunge at former PSG teammate Vitinha, a move that instantly stirred memories of their reported training ground dispute from 2023.

According to The Sun, the altercation resembled a “frustrated swing”, drawing widespread attention across social media. Many speculated that it reflected the emotional toll of the match on Messi. TalkSport echoed the report, claiming that Messi “lashed out” in a moment of visible tension, while other outlets interpreted it as a symbolic eruption of lingering resentment and regret.

The incident became the emotional crescendo of the night, symbolizing not only Messi’s personal frustration but also the deep, unresolved history between him and the club.

The international press had no shortage of strong takes following the 4–0 result. Reuters ran with the headline: “Ruthless PSG cruise past Inter Miami,” highlighting how the French champions dismantled their opposition with tactical brilliance and early aggression.

One commentator noted that Messi had only 14 touches in the first half, a stark reminder of just how much PSG controlled every aspect of the game—a humiliating contrast to Messi’s former influence on the same pitch.

Despite the crushing defeat, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano remained optimistic in his post-match interview. He called the experience a learning opportunity:

“This is a huge lesson… it will help us grow. PSG is a wonderful team—a team that will be remembered.”

Jordi Alba, Messi’s longtime friend and former Barcelona teammate, also weighed in. While acknowledging PSG’s clear dominance, he praised Inter Miami’s second-half composure and the bravery they showed in trying to fight back:

“We respected the game. PSG showed their level, but we didn’t fold. That matters.”

PSG’s 4–0 demolition stands out as a statement sports moment—a collective exorcism of Messi-era disappointments, served cold on a global stage. French media and fans found vindication at every goal, echoing their long-held frustrations.

Messi enters MLS renewed, but the encounter served a painful reminder: dominance in Europe doesn’t guarantee reverence on every stage. For PSG, this signals not only healing from past drama but a renewed identity under Luis Enrique. And for MLS, the lesson is clear—ambition demands structural change.