The match between PSG and Inter Miami showcased a significant disparity in team strength, with PSG securing a decisive 4-0 victory. The outcome suggests that any expectations for Inter Miami to win against a team of PSG’s caliber were unrealistic, given the vast difference evident both on paper and on the pitch.
PSG’s dominance was overwhelming, particularly in the first half, where they scored all four goals and did not allow Inter Miami to “breathe”. This commanding performance led PSG’s coach, Luis Enrique, to instruct his team to ease off in the second half, implying the game was already decided.
The sources highlight PSG’s tactical prowess and collective strength. They are described as a team that knows its identity and how to leverage its strengths. A key aspect of their play is their intense, relentless off-ball pressing, which even top European teams find difficult to survive.
PSG demonstrated a balanced approach, understanding when to slow possession and when to elevate the tempo. Their midfield was particularly outstanding, with Vitinha completing an impressive 118 out of 123 attempted passes and making 28 passes in the final third, a volume that exceeded any Inter Miami player’s total for the entire game.
Notably, none of PSG’s forwards scored; instead, goals came from midfielders like Joannes Neves, who scored twice, and Hakimi, showcasing the team’s depth and versatile scoring ability.
In contrast, Inter Miami faced significant challenges and limitations. The team is considered incapable of competing at the level of European clubs like PSG. The match was characterized as “old men” from Inter Miami facing the “young bloods” of PSG, highlighting the impact of age on key Inter Miami players. Sergio Busquets, at 36, was notably slow and struggled against PSG’s pressing midfielders.
Luis Suárez’s lack of pace was also evident. Defensively, Inter Miami was described as poor, conceding a “joke of an own goal,” and their players, like Elde and Govia, did not provide sufficient defensive support, leaving too much pressure on Javier Mascherano.
Inter Miami struggled to maintain possession or string together even a couple of passes against PSG’s aggressive press. Their modest 33% possession in the second half was primarily due to PSG reducing their intensity.
While Inter Miami made history by being the first MLS team to defeat a European team (Porto), this match against PSG demonstrated the “gulfing class difference”.
Regarding Lionel Messi, the sources suggest that he cannot play at his “best of the best levels” with the current Inter Miami team. His decision to play in MLS is seen as a choice to “see out his life” in football, having achieved everything.
The fans should set realistic expectations for their favorite players, including Messi, as football is a team sport, and a single player cannot carry a team against such strong collective opposition.
The match served as a strong indicator of PSG’s potential as a favorite for the Club World Cup. Their upcoming fixtures, including a serious match against Bayern Munich and a potential semi-final against Real Madrid, will test their capabilities further.
The performance against Inter Miami underscored PSG’s ability to “defeat any and every opponent” when they are performing at their expected level.