The expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025 is currently underway in the United States, and the group stage has delivered plenty of drama. Among the teams progressing to the Round of 16 are Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). This sets the stage for a highly anticipated reunion between Messi and his former club.

Inter Miami's journey to the knockout stage has been historic. They secured their place after a 2-2 draw against Palmeiras, making them the first Major League Soccer (MLS) club to reach this stage of the competition. Their path included a 0-0 draw with Al Ahly and a significant 2-1 victory over Porto, where Messi scored a stunning free-kick. This win marked the first time a CONCACAF team defeated a European side in an official competition. Inter Miami finished second in Group A with 5 points.

PSG, the Champions League winners, also secured their spot in the Round of 16 by topping Group B. After a 4-0 victory against Atletico Madrid, they suffered a 1-0 setback against Botafogo before rebounding with a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders. PSG will now face Inter Miami in the Round of 16 in Atlanta.

The expanded Club World Cup features 32 teams competing across the United States from June 14 to July 13, 2025. The teams are divided into eight groups of four, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage. The tournament has a substantial prize pool of $1 billion, adding further incentive for the competing clubs.

The match between Inter Miami and PSG is scheduled for Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. This game marks a significant moment for Messi, as he reunites with the club where he played from 2021 to 2023. After his stint with PSG, Messi made a transformative move to Inter Miami, elevating the club's profile and performance.

Inter Miami's success in the Club World Cup is particularly noteworthy considering the broader performance of MLS teams. While Inter Miami has advanced, the Seattle Sounders were eliminated from Group B, and LAFC exited Group D before their final game. This makes Inter Miami an exception to the rule in many ways.

The financial incentives for Inter Miami's progress are also considerable. By reaching the Round of 16, the club has earned $7.5 million, in addition to the $9.55 million for participating in the group stage and $4 million for their results in Group A. The distribution of this money within the team is still under discussion between the league and the MLS Players Association.

Luis Enrique, the coach of PSG, has expressed his team's determination to win the Club World Cup. Despite acknowledging the challenges posed by the competition and the playing conditions, he believes his team is ready to compete at the highest level.

As the Club World Cup progresses, the upcoming match between Inter Miami and PSG is poised to be a highlight, full of intrigue and anticipation for fans worldwide.