As the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup heads into its decisive final round of group-stage matches, European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are desperate to bounce back and secure a place in the Round of 16, while Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami will battle Brazil’s Palmeiras for the top spot in Group A.
PSG Seek Redemption Against Seattle
After suffering a shock 1-0 defeat to Brazilian side Botafogo in their second Group B match, PSG find themselves in a tight spot. The French giants now face MLS outfit Seattle Sounders, who are winless after two games but mathematically still in the race.
Heading into the final matchday, Group B is wide open. Botafogo lead with six points but hasn’t officially booked their spot in the next round. Atletico Madrid and PSG are tied at three points each, while Seattle sits at the bottom with zero points but still holds a sliver of hope.
On paper, PSG are heavy favourites against a Seattle side that has struggled in domestic play, but head coach Luis Enrique has warned against complacency.
“Every match in this tournament is tough. When teams face us, the Champions League winners, they play with extra motivation,” Enrique said. “That’s why we’ve been pushing our players to stay focused and give everything. We need to perform better, starting now.”
Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid will face a tough challenge against an in-form Botafogo side. A draw or win for Botafogo would secure their place, while PSG must win and hope other results fall in their favour.
Messi and Inter Miami Eye Group A Crown
Things are more straightforward in Group A. Both Inter Miami and Palmeiras have already secured four points from their first two matches, meaning they’ll go head-to-head to decide the group winner and top seeding for the knockout rounds.
Messi has been central to Inter Miami’s campaign so far. The 37-year-old legend played the full 90 minutes in both group matches, including a stunning trademark free-kick goal in their 2-1 victory over Portuguese side FC Porto. The spectacular strike reignited memories of his peak years and showcased his enduring brilliance.
However, with back-to-back matches and advancing age, Inter manager Gerardo Martino may choose to rest Messi or use him as a second-half substitute in the final group match.
Palmeiras, on the other hand, are no strangers to high-pressure games. The Brazilian champions have proven their pedigree in recent Copa Libertadores campaigns and will be eager to top the group and avoid more vigorous opponents in the next round.
Final Group Matches Set the Stage for Knockout Drama
With knockout spots on the line and pride at stake, both groups promise intense showdowns. PSG are playing for survival and redemption, hoping its star-studded lineup can deliver when it matters most. Meanwhile, Inter Miami continue to ride the Messi wave, with dreams of becoming world champions.
From must-win clashes to tactical mind games, the final round of the group stage is shaping up to be a footballing spectacle filled with drama, determination, and decisive moments.
