Why is Ousmane Dembele not playing for PSG vs. Messi’s Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025

With PSG set to face Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 round of 16, Ousmane Dembele’s absence in the team has raised several questions among fans.

Ousmane Dembele has emerged as one of the standout players of the 2024–25 season, playing a pivotal role in Paris Saint-Germain’s treble-winning campaign. Given his on-field impact, his absence from PSG’s FIFA Club World Cup 2025 matchup against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami has raised eyebrows among fans.

PSG finished atop Group B with wins over Atlético Madrid and the Seattle Sounders, despite suffering a surprising 1–0 loss to Botafogo. Now facing another MLS opponent in Inter Miami, the French giants are widely considered favorites to advance to the quarterfinals.

Still, both head coaches — Javier Mascherano and Luis Enrique — are staying grounded ahead of what’s become a highly anticipated clash. Messi’s reunion with his former club has only added to the drama, and the absence of a marquee name like Dembele has become a major talking point heading into the match.

Why is Dembele not playing?

Ousmane Dembele will not start for PSG against Inter Miami due to a technical decision by head coach Luis Enrique. The French winger recently returned to full training after recovering from a left quadriceps injury suffered while on duty with the French national team, but he will begin the match on the bench.

“He’s ready, I can tell you that,” Luis Enrique said in Saturday’s pre-match press conference. “But as you know, I don’t like to take any unnecessary risks with my players.” The match will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with both clubs vying for one of eight spots in the quarterfinals.

In Dembele’s absence, PSG will roll out a front three of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, and Bradley Barcola. It marks the trio’s first time starting together at this tournament, as Luis Enrique had previously leaned on Gonçalo Ramos and Senny Mayulu in earlier group-stage fixtures, likely searching for added attacking versatility.

Though he has yet to play a minute in the Club World Cup due to injury, Dembele will be available as a substitute for the first time since arriving in the United States. He’ll be hoping to make an impact off the bench, potentially as a game-changing super sub.