Is Lionel Messi playing? Inter Miami faces PSG in FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16

Set to face former club Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Round of 16, Inter Miami and soccer fans wonder if Lionel Messi will feature in the game.

Lionel Messi continues to build on his legendary career, now leading Inter Miami to a historic appearance in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. With a marquee showdown against Paris Saint-Germain looming, fans are eager to know whether the Argentine icon will take the field against his former team.

The matchup with PSG has sparked global attention following Messi’s stint in France. Though he fell short of Champions League glory with the Parisian club, he did go on to win the 2022 World Cup—ironically, against France. Now, PSG have finally captured the Champions League title without Messi, adding a layer of intrigue to this highly anticipated clash.

With French media reigniting the Messi narrative, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano addressed the buzz in his pre-match press conference: “Everything that surrounds Leo gets a lot of attention. We Argentinians know what has been generated since the World Cup. But the most important thing is that Leo is playing for us.”

Is Lionel Messi playing?

According to reports, Lionel Messi is expected to start for Inter Miami in their knockout-stage showdown against Paris Saint-Germain. The Argentine star has played every minute of the Club World Cup so far and remains fully fit for the challenge against his former club.

Inter Miami enter the match as underdogs, facing a PSG side fresh off a dominant Champions League campaign. Still, Mascherano believes Messi’s mindset could be a game-changer.

“It’s clear that it’s better for us if he plays angry — he’s one of those players who, when they have something stuck in their mind, take it up a level. But that’s in the past now, it’s a different story,” Javier Mascherano told ESPN in the mixed zone after the draw against Palmeiras.

Messi has previously faced PSG during his time at Barcelona, recording four wins, three draws, and three losses. But this will mark the first time he faces a former club in his career. All eyes will be on the 36-year-old to see not only if he scores — but whether he’ll celebrate against the club where he admittedly struggled to enjoy his soccer.