Shocking! Lionel Messi Appears To 'Punch' Paris Saint-Germain Star Vitinha During Club World Cup Match; Video

Lionel Messi found himself at the centre of controversy after Inter Miami's exit from the Club World Cup on Sunday. A video has surfaced online where Messi is seen swinging his arm at Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha in frustration. The act drew accusations of poor sportsmanship. The Argentine was instrumental in getting his team through the group phase, but frustrations appear to have gotten the better of him in the Round of 16.

Despite the heated exchange, the two stars seemed to make amends after the final whistle, with PSG later sharing a photo of Messi and Vitinha embracing

Fans react to Messi's act on field

Messi's history with Vitinha

The moment also raised eyebrows, particularly given the duo’s shared history at PSG, where reports had previously suggested friction between them. Although Vitinha publicly denied any past conflict.

Vitinha, now a pivotal figure under Luis Enrique, has become a cornerstone in PSG’s midfield and was instrumental in their 2024–25 treble-winning campaign.

What's next for Lionel Messi & PSG?

After Inter Miami's exit from Club World Cup, Messi will shift his focus back to MLS. PSG now prepares for a high-stakes quarter-final clash against the winner of Bayern Munich vs. Flamengo

PSG vs Inter Miami highlights

Joao Neves scored twice as Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) swept aside Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami 4-0 at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. The French side got the opening goal within six minutes, with Neves unmarked on the far post powering home a precise header from a free kick.

He then doubled team's lead in the 39th minute after a flowing move as Bradley Barcola found Fabian Ruiz, whose exquisite cross was clinically converted by the Portuguese.

Any hopes of a Miami comeback were extinguished in the first half as Messi and company barely got a look in, and their misery deepened further when Tomas Aviles turned Desire Doue’s cross into his own net.

Achraf Hakimi added the fourth, pouncing after his initial shot struck the crossbar, on the stroke of halftime.

Messi became more involved after the break, and his header was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma following a quick counter-attack, while he struck the wall with a late free kick. However the consolation goal never came