Inter Miami is set to face Paris Saint-Germain in a unique match, with Inter Miami being the sole MLS team among the final contenders. This upcoming game is particularly notable as it pits Lionel Messi, now an Inter Miami player, against his former club, PSG. Messi spent two seasons with the French champions before moving to Miami in 2023. His time in Paris, from 2021 to 2023, was marked by a mix of domestic success and European disappointment. While he secured two Ligue 1 titles and a Trophee des Champions, the team`s inability to clinch the UEFA Champions League with a star-studded lineup including Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe remains a significant part of that period`s legacy, especially contrasting with Messi`s World Cup triumph with Argentina during his final months as a PSG player. The match against PSG, now managed by his former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, serves as a strong reminder of his Parisian chapter and is anticipated to be a defining moment in the knockout stage. Here’s a look back at the major events during Messi`s tenure at PSG.
August 10, 2021: Messi Joins PSG
Just two days after an emotional farewell to Barcelona, where financial constraints prevented his re-signing, Lionel Messi officially transferred to Paris Saint-Germain. He described the club as aligning with his footballing ambitions. This high-profile move, largely facilitated by the financial power of PSG`s Qatari Sports Investments ownership, instantly positioned the team, then coached by Mauricio Pochettino, as a major contender for the Champions League, boasting an formidable attacking trio of Messi, Neymar, and Mbappe.
September 28, 2021: First Champions League Goal for PSG
As PSG dominated domestically, they secured their first Champions League victory of the season against Manchester City, managed by Pep Guardiola, Messi`s former boss. Messi netted his debut goal for PSG in the competition in spectacular fashion during the 70th minute. Receiving the ball near the halfway line, he drove towards City`s defense, exchanged a quick one-two with Mbappe on the edge of the penalty area, and then powerfully struck the ball into the net.
March 9, 2022: Champions League Exit vs. Real Madrid
In a Round of 16 clash against familiar foes Real Madrid, Messi`s PSG side faced disappointment. Although Messi missed a penalty in the first leg, PSG held a 1-0 advantage and extended their aggregate lead in the second leg. However, a remarkable 17-minute hat-trick from Karim Benzema saw Real Madrid overturn the deficit, resulting in an earlier-than-expected elimination for the heavily favored Parisian team from the Champions League.
March 8, 2023: Bayern Munich Knock Out PSG in Champions League
Almost exactly one year after their defeat by Real Madrid, PSG suffered another Round of 16 exit in the Champions League, this time at the hands of Bayern Munich. Under coach Christophe Galtier, PSG were convincingly defeated 3-0 on aggregate over the two legs. These two seasons featuring Messi represented the only instances since 2020 (until PSG`s subsequent win after his departure) where the club failed to reach the Champions League semifinals.
April 8, 2023: Breaks European Club Scoring Record
Despite describing his time at PSG as “difficult” at times, Messi achieved significant personal milestones. In a match against Nice in spring 2023, he became the all-time leading goalscorer in European club football, netting his 702nd career goal at that level and surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo`s record. In the same game, Messi also marked his 1,000th goal contribution across his club career.
June 3, 2023: Plays Final Match for PSG
Two days after his impending departure was confirmed by the coach, Messi played his final match for Paris Saint-Germain at the Parc des Princes. The occasion was eventful but not entirely positive for the club; Messi received some boos from sections of the crowd, and PSG ultimately lost 3-2 to Clermont Foot, despite Kylian Mbappe scoring two early goals for the hosts.
