Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia played the entire match as PSG defeated Inter Miami 4-0 in the FIFA Club World Cup, where he also faced Argentine star Lionel Messi. A devoted Cristiano Ronaldo fan, Kvaratskhelia shared his thoughts on encountering one of football’s greatest legends during the tournament.
Ronaldo and Messi have been the faces of football’s fiercest rivalry for over a decade, combining for more than 800 goals and 13 Ballon d’Or awards between them. Their influence has shaped a generation of players worldwide.
Following Georgia’s unexpected 2-0 triumph over Portugal at EURO 2024, Kvaratskhelia described Ronaldo as his idol, stating:
“I was playing against the player that I followed and idolised (Ronaldo) since I was a young kid… Playing against your idol is a huge motivation. It was incredible. He came to me and wished me good luck… I gave everything that evening and I helped my team to achieve a historic result.”
“Sharing the pitch with you was a true pleasure.”
Looking ahead, Kvaratskhelia and PSG are set to face Germany’s Bayern Munich in the quarterfinals on July 5, while Messi will return to MLS action with Inter Miami against Montreal on the same day.
Messi’s Club World Cup goal record falls short compared to Ronaldo’s after Inter Miami loss
After Inter Miami’s 4-0 defeat by PSG, Lionel Messi’s chances of surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s UEFA Club World Cup goal record appear slim. The recent tournament expansion includes 32 top clubs worldwide vying for the title, featuring teams such as Palmeiras, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and PSG already through to the quarterfinals.
Previously, the Club World Cup was contested in knockout format by continental champions and the host nation’s winner. Ronaldo, with three appearances for Real Madrid and one for Manchester United, scored seven goals in eight Club World Cup matches.
Messi, who had an opportunity to overtake Ronaldo’s tally in the 2025 tournament, remains second with six goals after Inter Miami’s exit. He shares this mark with teammate Luis Suarez and former Real Madrid players Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
Given that the Club World Cup will now be held every four years, breaking Ronaldo’s record is unlikely in the near future, especially as Messi approaches the latter stages of his career.