Atlanta plays host a heavyweight clash as Inter Miami take on PSG in the FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium on June 29.
Inter Miami have already made history by becoming the first MLS team to reach the knockout stages of the Club World Cup.
They finished second in Group A after a gritty 2–2 draw against Palmeiras and PSG arrive in the knockouts as the most dominant team in world football this season.
The French champions swept to four major trophies in 2024/25, lifting the Ligue 1 crown, alongside the Coupe de France and the Trophée des Champions, before crushing Inter Milan 5–0 in the UEFA Champions League final to secure a first European crown.
Ahead of this crunch clash between two footballing worlds, a mind-blowing stat has come to light, focused on eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi.
Messi and Desire Doue share outrageous Club World Cup stat
Only two players in the entire tournament have completed 10 or more successful dribbles so far. Messi, who has just turned 38, is on 10 with PSG 20-year-old attacking midfielder Desire Doue, on top with 12.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Messi has played three games at the Club World Cup, scoring once, with an average of three shots and 1.7 key passes per game. He's also put up 3.3 dribbles per match and holds a 7.8 match rating (WhoScored).
10 - Only two players have completed 10+ dribbles at this year's @FIFACWC - 20-year-old Désiré Doué (12) and Lionel Messi (10), who turns 38 today. Messi had already made nine appearances for Barcelona by the time Doué was born in June 2005. Generational. pic.twitter.com/vFGDTniWLE
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 24, 2025
In contrast, the red-hot Doue, who has played the same number of games, is yet to score or make an assist.
But his numbers in the USA still pop, averaging four dribbles per game and 2.3 shots with a 7.54 rating (WhoScored).
Paris Saint-Germain news and related links
- Luis Enrique's sends warning after Club World Cup romp against Atletico Madrid
- Desire Doue career, bio: All you need to know about PSG's UEFA Champions League final star
- Luis Enrique shirt, explained: How PSG manager paid tribute to late daughter following Champions League triumph