The football world is in turmoil after Inter Miami midfielder Sergio Busquets praised a Paris Saint-Germain player for his exceptional performance in the Club World Cup match on June 29, 2025. With over ten years of experience at the highest level, Busquets claimed he had never faced such a talented opponent, capable of single-handedly destabilizing his team. In that match at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, PSG crushed Inter Miami 4-0, with two goals from Joao Neves (6th and 39th minutes), an own goal from Tomas Aviles (44th minute), and a goal from Achraf Hakimi (45th + 3rd minute). Surprisingly, the player Busquets praised was neither Khvicha Kvaratskhelia nor Désiré Doué, but Joao Neves, whose performance eclipsed even stars like Lionel Messi.
PSG dominated the match with 66.6% possession and 19 shots to Miami’s only 8. Neves, with his vision, precision, and inexhaustible energy, orchestrated the Parisian play, severely testing the Inter Miami defense. Busquets, accustomed to facing the greatest, acknowledged that Neves gave them no chance, highlighting his devastating impact. This victory propels PSG into the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich or Flamengo, while Inter Miami, despite the presence of Messi, failed to find its rhythm, the Argentine being limited by a relentless Parisian defense.
This result and Busquets’ praise raise questions about the evolution of world football. Neves, at just 20 years old, embodies the new generation of talent capable of competing with established legends. His performance not only secured a resounding victory, but also caught the attention of observers, who now view him as a future pillar of PSG and European football. For Inter Miami, this defeat highlights the challenges they face competing with European giants, even with stars like Messi, Suarez, and Busquets in their ranks.
PSG, under Luis Enrique, continues to assert its dominance, blending youth and experience. This match also rekindled debates about the competitiveness of MLS clubs against European powerhouses. As the tournament continues, all eyes are on Neves and PSG, who appear ready to make their mark on this competition. For Busquets, this experience will remain a reminder that, even after an illustrious career, a young talent can still redefine the standards of the game.
