Lionel Messi loses with Inter Miami vs PSG: How has Cristiano Ronaldo fared against his former teams?

Inter Miami faced a formidable challenge in the Round of 16 at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, succumbing to a decisive defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. This highly anticipated clash marked Lionel Messi’s first encounter with his former club, adding an intriguing layer to the match’s narrative. The loss has ignited discussions reminiscent of comparisons made between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, particularly focusing on how each player fared when facing their previous teams.

Lionel Messi‘s storied encounters with Paris Saint-Germain total eleven, but all were as an FC Barcelona player; he had not worn the colors of the French club for those clashes. In these games, he secured four wins, three draws, and three defeats. However, this recent match marked his first against a former team. It ended in a tough 4-0 defeat, adding a fourth loss against PSG and his first against an ex-team.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s journey against former clubs tells a different tale. The Portuguese star just faced one former club, but on multiple occasions: Manchester United. As a Real Madrid player, he confronted the Red Devils three times, securing two victories and a draw. His time with Juventus saw two more meetings with Manchester United, culminating in one win and one loss.

Both stars, despite this, have not faced the teams where they created the biggest impact. Messi has yet to confront FC Barcelona, while Cristiano has not met Real Madrid. Undoubtedly, such duels would garner significant global coverage. However, these matchups seem unlikely in official competitions, as both players currently play outside European soccer.

: Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona conducts the ball next to Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid CF during the La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF at Camp Nou stadium on December 3, 2016 in Barcelona, Spain.

What’s next for Inter Miami after being eliminated from FIFA Club World Cup 2025?

Despite being eliminated from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Inter Miami made a significant impact on their debut in intercontinental competitions, leaving a mark as they advanced to the Round of 16. In Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference, they are still in contention with three games in hand to match their rivals in the standings.

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Lionel Messi, Inter Miami thrashed 4-0 by Paris Saint-Germain: What’s the biggest loss in Leo’s career?

Javier Mascherano’s squad faces CF Montreal in six days, setting the stage for their return to league play. They then challenge the New England Revolution on July 9, allowing only four days of recovery. Finally, they take on Nashville SC on July 12. These three matches offer a chance to collect nine crucial points, potentially elevating them to third place in the conference standings.