Joao Neves netted two goals as Paris St-Germain triumphed over Inter Miami with four goals in securing their spot in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup.
The European champions were anticipated to easily defeat the team currently sitting sixth in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference, and they did just that.
Neves opened the scoring in the sixth minute, heading in Vitinha’s free-kick from close range in Atlanta.
The Portuguese midfielder added a second goal in the 39th minute, finishing off a well-executed passing sequence involving Bradley Barcola and Fabian Ruiz, who had a goal of his own ruled out for offside.
PSG extended their lead with two more goals before halftime, as Tomas Aviles inadvertently turned Desire Doue’s cross into his own net, followed by Achraf Hakimi scoring a fourth in stoppage time after his initial shot hit the crossbar.
In the second half, PSG relaxed their efforts, effectively neutralizing their former player Lionel Messi, who managed a couple of chances for Inter Miami.
PSG will face either Bayern Munich or Flamengo in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
The top European clubs are essentially the best in the world, as evidenced by their 5-0 Champions League final victory over Inter Milan, but Luis Enrique’s team would prefer that confirmed.
However, they opted for caution by substituting two key players, Ruiz and Marquinhos at halftime to conserve their energy for the tougher matchup on Saturday.
Their performance was further enhanced by the return of top scorer Ousmane Dembele in the second half, who had missed the group stage due to injury.
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Neves, at just 20 years old, is considered one of the best young midfielders globally, though he hasn’t been prolific in front of goal.
Prior to this match, he had only scored nine times in his career, with this being his first club goals since March. If he can improve his scoring ability, he will be unstoppable.
Neves is also on track for an impressive trophy haul this summer, having already won the French league and cup, the Champions League, and the Nations League with Portugal.
A special applauds was given to football legend Messi.
The 38-year-old Argentine has not yet decided whether he will continue playing until next summer’s World Cup, but he displayed flashes of brilliance, taking four shots, two of which were on target.
Paris St-Germain has scored at least four goals in 15 different matches in 2025.
PSG will take on the winner of Flamengo vs. Bayern Munich on Saturday, July 5, also in Atlanta, at 17:00 BST.
Inter Miami will return to MLS action, facing Canadian team Montreal on Sunday, July 6 (00:30 BST).
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