Paris Saint-Germain defender, Achraf Hakimi, has issued a friendly but firm warning to former teammate, Lionel Messi ahead of their highly anticipated clash in the Round of 16 at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Hakimi, who shared the PSG dressing room with Messi before the Argentine’s move to Inter Miami, acknowledged the fond memories they shared in France but insisted that all sentiment will be left behind when they meet on the pitch this weekend.
“It would be nice to meet Messi again. There were many beautiful moments,” Hakimi told ItalPress (via 101 Great Goals). “We will see who we play against but then, on the pitch, there are no friends. He will try to win and we will also try to win. We will give everything to try to pass to the next round.”
The Morocco international’s comments add extra spice to what promises to be a blockbuster last-16 tie between PSG and Inter Miami on Sunday.
In another development from the Club World Cup, FIFA’s investigation into an alleged racism incident involving Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger and Pachuca’s Gustavo Cabral remains inconclusive.
According to Marca (via Madrid Universal), FIFA reviewed the match official’s report following Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory over Pachuca but found no definitive audio or visual evidence of racial abuse.
The encounter between Rudiger and Cabral reportedly occurred without third-party witnesses or recordings, making it difficult for FIFA to reach a clear judgment.
Cabral, for his part, admitted to calling Rudiger “chickens” during the clash but strongly denied any racist intent.
As the tournament heads into its knockout stages, tensions and emotions continue to run high, both on and off the pitch.
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