On Sunday, June 29, the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta will host a highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 clash between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Miami. This matchup pits the reigning UEFA Champions League winners against a resilient Major League Soccer side led by former PSG star Lionel Messi.
PSG, under the guidance of Luis Enrique, enter as favorites, boasting a star-studded squad and a formidable attacking record. Inter Miami, managed by Javier Mascherano, have defied expectations to reach the knockout stage, relying on the experience of Messi and Luis Suárez to challenge the European giants.
Prediction
PSG are favored to advance, given their superior squad depth, tactical discipline, and recent form. The French side topped Group B with six points, securing victories over Atlético Madrid (4-0) and Seattle Sounders (2-0), despite a surprising 1-0 loss to Botafogo. Their defensive resilience, conceding just one goal in the group stage, combined with an attack that has scored over 100 goals this calendar year, makes them a formidable force.
Inter Miami, finishing as Group A runners-up with five points, remained unbeaten with a win over Porto (2-1) and draws against Al Ahly (0-0) and Palmeiras (2-2). However, their defensive frailties, having conceded three goals in their last two group games, could be exposed by PSG’s dynamic frontline. While Messi and Suárez provide a constant goal threat, Inter Miami’s reliance on counter-attacks may not suffice against PSG’s possession-based approach, which saw them average 73% ball control in the group stage. A closely contested match is expected, but PSG’s quality should prevail, with a predicted scoreline of 3-1 in their favor.
Possible lineups
For PSG, Luis Enrique is likely to field a strong side, with Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, protected by a backline of Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, and Nuno Mendes. The midfield trio of João Neves, Vitinha, and Fabián Ruiz will provide control and creativity, while Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé, and Désiré Doué are expected to lead the attack, with Gonçalo Ramos potentially featuring as the central striker. Ousmane Dembélé, recently back from a thigh injury, is a doubt but could make the squad, adding further firepower.
Inter Miami, without injured goalkeeper Drake Callender, will rely on veteran Oscar Ustari between the posts. Their defense is likely to consist of Marcelo Weigandt, Tomás Avilés, Nicolás Falcón, and Noah Allen, with Jordi Alba possibly remaining on the bench. The midfield will be anchored by Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, and Telasco Segovia, with Taedo Allende providing width. Up top, Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez will spearhead the attack, aiming to exploit any defensive lapses from PSG.
Betting tips
For bettors, PSG to win with both teams to score offers a compelling option, reflecting PSG’s attacking prowess and Inter Miami’s ability to find the net through Messi and Suárez. This bet aligns with recent trends, as both teams scored in two of Inter Miami’s three group-stage matches, and PSG have conceded in recent high-stakes games despite their defensive strength.
Another strong choice is backing over 3.5 goals, given PSG’s high-scoring form—14 goals in their last five matches across all competitions—and Inter Miami’s tendency for open, goal-heavy games, with over 2.5 goals landing in their last two group matches. Additionally, Achraf Hakimi to score or assist presents value, considering his phenomenal season and contributions in the group stage, including a goal against Seattle Sounders. These betting options balance risk and reward, capitalizing on the attacking potential of both sides while acknowledging PSG’s likely dominance.