 "Lionel Messi's efforts to find a goal went in vain as PSG defeated Inter Miami at Club World Cup. Image: Reuters")
Cristiano Ronaldo fans were quick to criticise and highlight Lionel Messi’s weaknesses as his dream of winning the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with Inter Miami was crushed by Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. European champions and Messi’s former club, PSG, defeated Inter Miami 4-0 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium to secure their place in the Club World Cup quarter-finals.
Ronaldo’s international teammate from Portugal, Joao Neves, scored two goals in PSG’s victory over Messi’s side as the French club displayed ruthless efficiency and unforgiving attitude on the pitch.
Messi, Miami struggle against PSG
It took just six minutes for PSG to open the scoring as Neves found himself unmarked at the far post, scoring a free header. He doubled the lead in the 39th minute when top PSG talents combined for a perfect team goal. Bradley Barcola found Fabian Ruiz, whose excellent cross was converted by Neves.
Messi and other Inter Miami players struggled throughout the first half to get hold of the ball and if they hoped for a miracle in the second half, those hopes were dashed just before the half-time break as defender Tomas Aviles turned Desire Doue’s cross into his own net.
More misery awaited Miami in the extra time of the first half as Achraf Hakimi scored the final goal after his initial shot struck the crossbar.
Messi did create a few chances in the second half as his header was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma and he also hit the wall with a late free kick, but none of it resulted in a goal.
“It was an almost perfect match, we created a lot of chances, and I’m happy yet I think we still need to improve, that’s football,” PSG coach Luis Enrique said.
Messi trolled by Ronaldo fans
As Messi exited the Club World Cup, Ronaldo fans were quick to highlight how his best performances have only come in a Barcelona or an Argentina shirt.
“Messi once again proving that he can’t do it outside of Barcelona and Argentina, I genuinely respect Ronaldo so much cause he did it with different clubs and countries. My goat,” a fan wrote on X.
“Carrying your team against all odds !? Yeah, you can never be Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi,” another fan wrote.
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PSG will now face Bayern Munich in the Club World Cup quarter-finals. Bayern reached the last 8 by beating Flamengo 4-2.