PSG Players Display Maximum Respect for Lionel Messi After Club World Cup Match

Paris Saint-Germain may be the newly crowned champions of Europe and have just achieved a 4–0 victory over Inter Miami at the Club World Cup, yet Lionel Messi continues to be the center of attention.

Following the decisive win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which was achieved through goals by João Neves (2), Achraf Hakimi, and an own goal from Tomás Avilés, several PSG players gathered in the tunnel to catch up with the man who once illuminated the Parc des Princes.

Ousmane Dembélé, who is broadly expected to be the favorite for this year’s Ballon d’Or—a trophy Messi has claimed a record eight times—was among the first to greet the Argentine legend, posing with Messi’s Inter Miami shirt backstage for a photograph.

“Good to see you again @leomessi, the greatest of all time,” wrote Dembélé, who played alongside Messi for four seasons at Barcelona. “I hope you continue to make history with @intermiamicf like in this World Club.”

Also among the well-wishers: Messi’s former PSG teammates Gianluigi Donnarumma, Presnel Kimpembe, and PSG boss Luis Enrique – who managed Messi at Barcelona during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.

The pair worked together between 2014 and 2017, winning two La Liga titles, three Copa del Reys, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup – a golden era for both club and player.

One PSG player who didn’t get a post-match moment was Lucas Beraldo, but that didn’t stop him from savouring the occasion.

“Leo is a unique person. Sharing a game with him was magnificent,” said the young Brazilian.

“I was a kid watching his magic on TV, so it’s unique.”

Even in a one-sided result, it was clear – when Messi’s in the building, everything else is just a sideshow.