European champions Paris Saint-Germain highlighted the gulf in class between European and North American football on Sunday, as Luis Enrique's side overwhelmed Lionel Messi's Inter Miami 4-0 to book a place in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals.

PSG was simply much sharper than a rival that may have Messi as its standard-bearer, but is clearly not quick or strong enough to compete with the elite.

Joao Neves scored twice as Paris St-Germain demolished Inter Miami to reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup. [photo: xinhua]

The Inter Miami squad had a familiar look to PSG coach Luis Enrique, with five key figures from his time at FC Barcelona - Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Messi - in the starting 11, and Javier Mascherano on the coaching staff.

He may have known them well, but that didn't mean Luis Enrique's side showed any mercy.

The problem for Inter was age. Busquets and Alba are both 36, while Messi and Suarez are 38. Although their talent and legacy are unquestioned, against Europe's best, it wasn't enough.

Just three minutes into the match, goalkeeper Oscar Ustari was called into action to stop Bradley Barcola after a brilliant run by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

It was only a matter of time. PSG opened the scoring in the sixth minute when Joao Neves ghosted in at the far post to head in Vitinha's free kick.

Fabian Ruiz had a goal ruled out, but with PSG completely overrunning its opponent, the second goal felt inevitable. It came in the 39th minute when Neves finished a smooth passing move set up by Ruiz.

The third came five minutes later, just before halftime, when Tomas Aviles deflected Desire Doue's drilled cross into his own net. In first-half stoppage time, PSG carved open Inter's defense again, with Achraf Hakimi adding a fourth.

With the result all but sealed, PSG eased off in the second half, giving the game a more open feel and allowing Messi a few flashes of activity. He forced a save from Gianluigi Donnarumma in the 80th minute with a header, while at the other end, Ustari tipped over a Barcola shot in a half that did little to change the outcome.