PSG secured a spot in the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders on Monday at Lumen Field, finishing first in their group. That result sets up a high-profile showdown with Inter Miami, led by none other than former PSG star Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami appeared on track to win Group A after taking a 2-0 lead over Palmeiras, but the Brazilian side clawed back with two goals in the second half to earn a draw and claim the top spot. That left the South Florida club in second place and teed up a clash with PSG in the nextround.
Messi spent three years with PSG from 2021 to 2023 following his shock exit from FC Barcelona. He joined forces with Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé in a superstar frontline, but despite the firepower, PSG never advanced beyond theRound of 16, falling to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.
PSG see Ballon d’Or candidate return to attack
Ousmane Dembele, PSG
Alex Grimm/Getty Images
Le Parisien’sAdrien Chantegrelet reports that Ousmane Dembéléis expected to make his return this Sunday against Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16. It’ll be his first appearance since recovering, and he’s fully fit and ready to go.
🚨🥇| BREAKING: Ousmane Dembélé is set to RETURN to action this Sunday vs. Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16. He is set to play his first minutes on Sunday against Inter Miami, he is fully ready to play. @Adrientp pic.twitter.com/RSxFLznudL
— PSG Report (@PSG_Report) June 25, 2025
Ahead of Sunday’s match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano stated that for his side, it would be ideal that the Argentine play with his emotions at the forefront.
“No, it’s clear that forus it’s better if he playsangry, because he’s one of those players who, when he has something on his mind, gives an extra effort,”Mascherano told SportsCenter. “But well, I think that’s already in the past; it’s a different story now.
“Also, since it’s here in the United States, I don’t think the atmosphere will be the same. What we will try to do is play a great game because, to have any chance, we need to have a perfect match, and we will go for it.”