‘They came for Messi’: A losing score, a lasting legend

On paper, it was a rout. Paris Saint-Germain 4, Inter Miami 0. But as the final whistle blew at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, all eyes remained fixed on one man -- Lionel Messi.

The scoreline told one story. The atmosphere told another.

In what was billed as a clash between European royalty and MLS's rising stars, PSG's first-half blitz seemed to confirm fears of a mismatch. Joao Neves' early opener sparked a flurry of goals before the break, effectively sealing the game. But the second half offered a different narrative -- one that revolved around the magic of Messi.

Luis Enrique, PSG's treble-winning coach, knew the challenge wasn't over at halftime.

"It's difficult to play against players of that calibre," he said post-match. "People will look at the 4-0 and think it was comfortable. It wasn't. Especially in the second half—we had to work hard."

Messi, now 38 but still carrying the aura of a prime-era superstar, orchestrated play like a maestro. With close friend Luis Suarez alongside him and Jordi Alba flying down the flank, Inter Miami came to life after the restart. They didn't score, but they made Europe's best look over their shoulders.

"It was magnificent," said PSG defender Lucas Beraldo. "To be on the same pitch as Leo... I grew up watching him. It still feels surreal."

For Enrique, the night was less about nostalgia and more about survival. His side are riding the momentum of a historic treble season—Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup—and are now into the Club World Cup quarter-finals. But he admitted Miami made them sweat.

"After the first half, we took our foot off a little, and they grew into the game. That's what world-class players do. They punish you if you're not switched on."

While PSG celebrated progression, Inter Miami took pride in perspective. Javier Mascherano, now coach of the MLS side, was realistic about the gulf in class—but defiant in spirit.

"We knew our ceiling, and we reached it," said the former Argentina captain. "Yes, PSG is the best in the world right now. But we didn't come to bow—we came to compete. And Leo reminded the world who he is."

Indeed, the stadium-- awash in Inter Miami pink and Messi's iconic No.10—was proof of the Argentine's enduring pull.

"People paid not for the result," Mascherano said. "They came for Messi. And he delivered, even in defeat."

For PSG, the journey continues, with a Club World Cup title now within sight. For Inter Miami and Messi, the journey is different—less about trophies and more about moments. On this night, they found one.