Paris Saint-Germain cruised into the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a dominant 4-0 victory over Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. Beyond the scoreline, the match at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be remembered for an unsettling reason: the MLS side suffered the second-worst halftime defeat in the competition’s new format, trailing only Bayern Munich’s 6-0 drubbing of Auckland City.

A record Inter Miami will want to forget

Luis Enrique’s side delivered a flawless first half, completely outclassing Javier Mascherano’s team. It was Inter Miami’s worst defeat since a 6-1 loss to Cincinnati in July 2024. Outmatched in every area, the American club was tactically and emotionally overwhelmed.

The Parisian avalanche began early. In the 7th minute, João Neves headed in the opener from a Vitinha free kick. Then, Fabián Ruiz dispossessed Busquets and launched a slick one-two with Bradley Barcola, setting up Neves for his second goal in the 39th minute. Moments later, Tomás Avilés scored an own goal after deflecting a Désiré Doué cross, and Achraf Hakimi capped off the half by converting his own rebound after his initial shot hit the crossbar. At halftime: 4-0.

Messi tried, but the damage was done

After the break, Inter Miami came out with more spirit, led by a determined Messi, who tried everything to earn a consolation goal. He set up Luis Suárez, attempted shots on goal, and had a dangerous free-kick, but Donnarumma and PSG’s defense stood firm. Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé made his tournament debut after returning from injury, facing former teammates like Messi and Jordi Alba.

Despite a more competitive second half, the damage had already been done. PSG shifted down a gear, conserving energy and protecting players at risk of suspension as they looked ahead to the next stage.

With this resounding win, Paris Saint-Germain moves on to face the winner of Bayern Munich vs Flamengo in the quarterfinals, scheduled for July 5 in Atlanta. For Messi and Inter Miami, it’s a night marked by one of the heaviest defeats in recent memory—and one that will linger far beyond the final whistle.