Football fans around the world, including right here in Kenya, tuned in with high expectations as Lionel Messi faced his former side, Paris Saint-Germain, in the Club World Cup (CWC) last-16. But instead of a fairytale reunion, Messi endured a night of bitter disappointment as PSG demolished Inter Miami 4-0 in Atlanta.
The fixture was billed as one of the CWC’s marquee matchups, with Kenyan football lovers eager to see how Messi would fare against the European giants. Unfortunately, the gulf in class was glaring.
Early Warning Signs as PSG Strike First
PSG wasted no time asserting its dominance. Just six minutes into the game, Vitinha floated in a deep free-kick which João Neves met unchallenged to head home the opener. The early goal rattled Miami, which struggled to cope with the French side’s relentless pressing and quick passing.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia had already sliced through the Miami defense minutes earlier, setting the tone for what would become a long evening for Javier Mascherano’s men.
Late First-Half Barrage Crushes Miami
Kenyan fans know how quickly a match can turn, and PSG proved it again in the dying minutes of the first half.
Fabián Ruiz intercepted a sloppy pass high up the field, exchanged slick passes with Bradley Barcola, and squared for Neves to bag his second of the night.
It went from bad to worse for Inter Miami as substitute Tomás Avilés diverted Désiré Doué’s cross into his net, making it 3-0. And just moments later, Achraf Hakimi scored after following up his effort that crashed off the bar, leaving PSG with a commanding 4-0 lead at halftime.
Messi’s Frustration on a Tough Night
For Kenyan fans who idolize Messi, the match was tough to watch. The Argentine superstar tried to spark a response in the second half, but PSG’s defense, marshalled by Gianluigi Donnarumma, held firm.
Messi finally forced Donnarumma into action with a low shot and a downward header, but both attempts were comfortably saved. Despite Miami’s unbeaten run in the group stage, their CWC journey ended abruptly without even a consolation goal.
What’s Next in the Club World Cup?
PSG now remain in Atlanta and await a blockbuster quarter-final clash against either Flamengo or Bayern Munich on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Inter Miami and Messi must return to the MLS with much to ponder. Kenyan football fans will be eager to see whether Messi can bounce back and lead his side to domestic glory after this humbling European lesson.
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