The Club World Cup encounter between PSG and Inter Miami promises to be steeped in memories. Lionel Messi is set to face his former European club and a Luis Enrique with whom he shared three years at Barcelona, alongside other players such as Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and now coach Javier Mascherano.
Messi confronting his past, and the reunion of the Barcelona contingent in Miami with their former manager Luis Enrique, will be among the key moments of the Club World Cup last 16 clash between Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
The MLS side seemed destined to top Group A when they led Palmeiras 2-0 in the 80th minute of their final group match. However, two late goals from the Brazilians overturned the situation, leaving Palmeiras top on goal difference and setting up a daunting showdown against the reigning European champions.
The match between Inter Miami and PSG will take place on 29 June at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium. It will be Messi’s first meeting with the Parisian club since leaving France in the summer of 2023 to join the Major League Soccer team.
It is no secret that the Argentine’s spell at PSG fell short of expectations for both parties. His two seasons in Paris yielded two Ligue 1 titles but ended with consecutive exits at the Champions League last-16 stage.
PSG’s recent European glory came under the guidance of Spanish coach Luis Enrique, who arrived in France the season after the player’s departure. Enrique had previously worked with Messi for three years at Barcelona.
In addition to Messi, Luis Enrique also coached Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba — all currently at Inter Miami — during his time at Barcelona.
Suarez himself expressed great respect for his former manager during the post-match press conference following the Palmeiras game, stating how much Enrique influenced him during their three years together. “I already had a competitive DNA, but he encouraged it even more,” he said.
Another former Barcelona player for whom this match will be special is Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, who must now prepare a tactical battle against his old manager.
“Luis is a friend… I have a very special relationship with him, and with his family. It will obviously be special to face him,” Mascherano said after the Palmeiras match, describing the Spaniard as one of the best coaches of his career.