Club World Cup: PSG thrash Inter Miami and Messi at halftime

Paris Saint-Germain showed no mercy in the first half against Messi's Inter Miami in the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup. At halftime, the Parisians lead 4-0 in a Mercedes-Benz Stadium packed with their supporters.

From the opening minutes, PSG applied relentless pressing and showcased complete technical dominance. João Neves opened the scoring with a header in the 5th minute, finishing off a well-delivered free kick from Vitinha. The inspired young Portuguese midfielder doubled his tally in the 38th minute after a smart interception from Fabian Ruiz and a fluid team move.

Soon after, a cruel own goal by Avilés deepened Inter Miami's woes just before the break (45th minute). In stoppage time, Achraf Hakimi made it 4-0.

PSG are in complete control and already seem to have one foot in the quarter-finals, where they could face Bayern Munich or Flamengo. But they must beware of overconfidence. Inter Miami, stung in their pride, could come out with renewed determination in the second half.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr