Messi Set to Face Former Club as Inter Miami Clash with PSG Looms
Inter Miami CF are looking to defy expectations and secure their spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals this Sunday as they face off against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.
The Florida-based club enters as heavy underdogs against the recently crowned European titleholders and must deliver a flawless display to advance to the final eight. Having remained undefeated throughout the competition and successfully defeating Porto during the group phase, Inter Miami will enter with confidence despite facing a monumental challenge.
Manager Javier Mascherano will depend on the exceptional talent of his attacking partnership of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez, while also demanding his defensive unit to remain impenetrable against PSG's formidable offensive arsenal.
Here's the potential starting formation for Inter Miami in this crucial encounter.
Inter Miami Predicted Lineup vs. PSG (4-4-2)
GK: Oscar Ustari—The veteran goalkeeper at 38 has been outstanding between the posts, beginning with a spectacular showing against Al Ahly and following up with two reliable performances versus Porto and Palmeiras.
RB: Marcelo Weigandt—Given Ian Fray's fitness doubts, Weigandt may continue in the right-back position facing the exceptional Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He must deliver a career-defining performance to contain the Georgian winger.
CB: Tomás Avilés—The center-back impressed against Palmeiras after being brought into the starting eleven. He'll be hoping that Ousmane Dembélé remains unavailable for PSG once more.
CB: Maximiliano Falcón—Falcón has delivered several standout moments during the Club World Cup and must be at his absolute best against PSG's dangerous attacking threats.
LB: Noah Allen—While Jordi Alba might enter the starting formation after his recent injury recovery, Allen was dependable against Palmeiras' Estêvão Willian in the previous match and could be a more mobile choice against Désiré Doué.
RM: Tadeo Allende—Allende found the net against Palmeiras and was a persistent threat to the Brazilian side. He must provide substantial defensive support to Weigandt when facing Kvaratskhelia and Nuno Mendes.
CM: Federico Redondo—Redondo will be vying with Benjamin Cremaschi for a starting position, but the Argentine appears to have earned the trust of fellow countryman Mascherano.
CM: Sergio Busquets—PSG's midfield engine drives their success, and their central trio might exploit Busquets' advancing age. The 36-year-old veteran must turn back time and provide Inter Miami with stability during transitions.
LM: Telasco Segovia—Segovia has been an exciting presence in the previous two fixtures for the Herons, netting against Porto and showing energy in the clash with Palmeiras. He'll look to capitalize on Achraf Hakimi's forward runs.
ST: Lionel Messi—For Inter Miami to accomplish the unlikely, they require Messi to produce his brilliance. The Argentine will be eager to shine against his former club with global attention focused on him, and his recent form indicates he could captivate spectators.
ST: Luis Suárez—Suárez excelled in the stalemate with Palmeiras, both scoring and providing an assist while sharing creative responsibilities with his striking companion. He boasts four goals and two assists across five previous encounters with PSG.