Lionel Messi Shines at Club World Cup as Inter Miami Set for PSG Clash

Inter Miami face PSG in the Club World Cup Round of 16 on June 29. Messi, now 38, has completed 10 dribbles in the tournament, only behind PSG's 20-year-old Désiré Doué (12). Messi has 1 goal, 3.3 dribbles, and a 7.80 rating, while PSG enters after winning four major trophies in 2024–25.

During the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Inter Miami have already made history by becoming the first MLS side to reach the knockout stage. After finishing second in Group A with a hard-fought 2–2 draw against Palmeiras, they now face French champions Paris Saint-Germain in a Round of 16 showdown at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 29.

PSG arrive as the most dominant team this season, having won four major trophies, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, Trophée des Champions, and the UEFA Champions League, where they destroyed Inter Milan 5–0 in the final to claim their first European title. Ahead of this high-voltage clash, a fascinating stat has emerged: Lionel Messi and PSG’s 20-year-old sensation Désiré Doué are the only two players to have completed 10 or more successful dribbles in the tournament.

Messi, who just turned 38, has 10 dribbles, while Doue leads with 12. Messi has also contributed 1 goal in 3 games, averaging 3 shots, 1.7 key passes, and 3.3 dribbles per match, earning a 7.80 rating on WhoScored. Doue, Despite having no goal contributions, has shone with 4 dribbles and 2.3 shots per match, and a solid 7.54 rating. A true generational clash awaits.