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Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Achraf Hakimi has admitted that he is looking forward to facing Lionel Messi in the FIFA Club World Cup. The two sides have qualified for the knockout stages of the tournament and will face off in the Round of 16 on Sunday, June 29.
Speaking to ItalPress, Hakimi said that he enjoyed his time with Messi at PSG, but both would be focused on helping their respective sides win the upcoming match. The Moroccan right-back said (via 101 Great Goals):
"It would be nice to meet Messi again. There were many beautiful moments. 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."
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Gigi Donnarumma echoed similar thoughts on Monday, June 23, after Inter Miami were confirmed as their round-of-16 opponents. He told the media (via 101 Great Goals):
"It's fantastic for us, it's fantastic for me. I lived two years with him, it was a two fantastic years where we played with the greatest player in the world. But now I hope we will win because he has already won many titles."
PSG lost to Botafogo in the FIFA Club World Cup group stage but managed to defeat Atlético Madrid and Seattle Sounders to top the Group B table and qualify for the knockouts. Lionel Messi's Inter Miami were unbeaten in Group A but finished second behind Palmeiras after drawing with the Brazilian side on Monday.
Achraf Hakimi was left surprised by Lionel Messi at PSG
Achraf Hakimi spoke to L'Equipe in 2021 and admitted that he was surprised how easy it was to build an on-field understanding with Lionel Messi. He noted that the Argentine superstar was simple and quiet and said (via GOAL):
"Building a technical relationship with him is easy! I give him the ball, I run and he will put it where it belongs! I was surprised by the way he behaved, he is simple, quiet. For Messi to leave Barca, like everyone else, I didn't expect it, and when I heard you were coming here, what can I say? A dream for me!
"I played with many great players and the only one I missed was Messi! I am proud to evolve with such a good footballer. To progress, I will pay attention to how he trains, how he plays. It will grow the team and each of the players that make it up. We speak the same language, in addition, little by little we are getting to know each other."
Achraf Hakimi and Lionel Messi played 59 matches together at PSG over two seasons. The two won the Ligue1 title in both terms and combined for one goal, which was the winner scored by the Barcelona legend in the 2-1 win over Toulouse in 2023.
