The friendly match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Miami, held during PSG’s pre-season tour in July 2023, garnered significant attention primarily due to the presence of Lionel Messi for Inter Miami. While pre-season games are often treated with varying degrees of seriousness by clubs, this particular fixture offered a unique opportunity for fans to witness a clash of styles and star power.
PSG, even without Kylian Mbappé who was sidelined amidst transfer speculation, showcased their attacking depth. The Parisians dominated possession for large portions of the game, demonstrating their tactical flexibility and ability to create chances through both individual brilliance and orchestrated team play. New signings and returning players were given ample opportunity to integrate into the squad and demonstrate their capabilities. Players like Vitinha and Carlos Soler were instrumental in dictating the tempo of the game and probing Inter Miami’s defense. The match served as a crucial opportunity for new manager Luis Enrique to experiment with different formations and player combinations, laying the groundwork for the upcoming Ligue 1 season.
Inter Miami, on the other hand, were undergoing a massive transformation following the high-profile arrival of Lionel Messi, alongside former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. The game marked an early stage in this transition, with the team still finding its rhythm and cohesion with these new additions. While Messi’s presence undoubtedly elevated the atmosphere and attracted a global audience, the match highlighted the work still needed to be done to fully integrate him and his fellow newcomers into the team’s system. Inter Miami struggled to contain PSG’s fluid attack, often finding themselves on the back foot. However, the game provided valuable experience for the squad, allowing them to assess their strengths and weaknesses against a top-tier European opponent.
The scoreline, a comfortable victory for PSG, reflected their superior quality and tactical preparation. However, the focus was less on the result and more on the individual performances and the overall development of both teams. For PSG, it was about refining their tactics and building team chemistry ahead of the competitive season. For Inter Miami, it was about integrating their star signings and laying the foundation for a more competitive future in Major League Soccer. The match offered glimpses of Messi’s brilliance, even in a pre-season setting, hinting at the potential impact he could have on the MLS landscape.
Ultimately, the PSG versus Inter Miami friendly was more than just a game; it was a spectacle. It brought together two teams with contrasting objectives, each seeking to achieve different goals as they prepared for their respective seasons. The match provided entertainment for fans worldwide and valuable insights for both coaching staffs, underlining the significance of pre-season friendlies as crucial stages in team development and preparation.