João Neves’ Brace Helps PSG End Lionel Messi, Inter Miami’s Club World Cup
A four-goal performance in the first half allowed PSG to secure the win and go on cruise control in the final 45 minutes against the MLS side.
The Parisians didn't waste time finding the back of the net as João Neves opened the scoring less than 10 minutes into the match. The opening goal came off a free-kick from Vitinha, with João Neves ghosting to the back post unmarked to head it in past Inter Miami goalkeeper Oscar Ustari.
PSG's second goal came in the 39th minute after sustained pressure that Inter Miami struggled to contain throughout the first half.
Neves scored a second time before the break, with his goal set up by a selfless pass from Fabián Ruiz, who squared it perfectly for the Portuguese midfielder to tap in.
Inter Miami needed to get to halftime and regroup, but the goals kept coming for PSG, and the third goal was self-inflicted. Désiré Doué delivered a sharp cross from the PSG right that found its way into the net and ended up being an own goal by Tomás Avilés.
The final goal in the first half came thanks to Achraf Hakimi. Bradley Barcola set it up from the right, passing to the Moroccan. His first shot hit the post and bounced off the goalkeeper, but he calmly tucked the second chance into the net.
It was all the scoring PSG would do as they also recorded a clean sheet for the 4-0 win over Messi and Co. After the match, Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano stated to DAZN that it's another level playing against the reigning UEFA Champions League winner.
"We saw the difference between the teams. We’re very proud of the guys, they worked hard, they tried to play. I think we have to look forward because that was a great experience for us. We played well during this tournament. We knew today was going to be very difficult as they’re probably the best team in the world."
The Stat: 4
After his goal against Inter Miami, Hakimi has scored in each of his last four knockout stage matches in official competition with PSG:
Against Arsenal (Champions League semifinal)
Against Reims (French Cup final)
Against Inter Milan (Champions League final)
Against Inter Miami (Club World Cup round of 16)
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