Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano believes his team can pull off a big surprise when they face Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Club World Cup last 16 on Sunday. Even though PSG are the European champions and strong favorites, Mascherano says his players should not give up hope.
The Challenge Ahead
Inter Miami, led by Argentine legend Lionel Messi, made headlines by advancing from the group stage. Now, they face their toughest test yet against PSG at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Mascherano admits the challenge is huge, but he wants his team to believe in themselves.
“We will try to be up to the standard, we will try to do things in the best way we can, and why can’t we dream of being able to shock them?”
— Javier Mascherano
He explained that his message to the players is simple: the competition is not over yet, and anything is possible in football.
“We know we are taking on an opponent of unique power, one of the best in the world, but this is football. Tomorrow, why not try to play the best game possible, a near-perfect game for us, and have the chance of competing and some chance of going through,” Mascherano said.
Underdogs with Belief
Despite PSG being heavy favorites, Mascherano insists that Inter Miami cannot be written off before the match even begins.
“We are not naive, we know that the feeling around the game is we are the weaker team, that’s clear. That doesn’t mean they can kill us in advance. We will fight, that’s what it’s about. I think the beautiful thing about the game tomorrow is that we have earned the right to play it.”
Messi’s Influence
The coach also said he is glad to have Messi, now 38, playing for Miami rather than PSG.
“Everything around Leo generates a lot of interest, we Argentines know that after the World Cup win in 2022 and all of that,” said Mascherano. “The most important thing is that Leo is well and that Leo plays for us. I think that helps keep us calmer than anything. And after that, it’s a game of football.”
A Reunion on the Touchline
This match is also a reunion for Mascherano and PSG coach Luis Enrique. Mascherano played under Enrique at Barcelona, where they won the treble together in 2015. Miami’s squad also features former Barcelona stars Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba, all of whom played under Enrique.
“Luis is one of the best coaches I’ve had in my career, I have a good personal relationship with him,” Mascherano said. “He was one of those who convinced me to stay at Barca back in that era… he’s a great coach who has shown it with Barcelona, now in Paris, and also in the Spanish national team… It’s also good to test yourself against this type of coach, this type of team, it’s a challenge.”
Inter Miami’s Journey So Far
Inter Miami earned their spot in the knockout round with a surprise win over Porto, finishing second in Group A behind Palmeiras. The team’s progress has caught the attention of fans and experts, but most still see PSG as the clear favorites.
The Players’ Perspective
Midfielder Federico Redondo, son of former Real Madrid star Fernando Redondo, knows the size of the task ahead. “The reality is they are the best team in the world, and when you have a team of that level, they dominate you and oblige you to defend more,” Redondo said.
He added that his father’s advice for the match was simple: enjoy the experience and keep doing what has worked so far. “(He said) what he always does, that I should enjoy it, and that we keep doing what we’ve been doing, that we’ve had three great games.”
What to Expect
PSG, fresh from winning the Champions League, are expected to dominate the match, but Mascherano’s Miami are determined to give their best. The coach has told his players to focus on defending well, staying organized, and making the most of any chances they get.
Fans are excited to see Messi go up against his former club’s biggest rivals, and the game promises to be one of the highlights of the Club World Cup’s knockout stage. Miami’s journey so far has already been impressive, but a win over PSG would be a true football fairy tale.
Conclusion
Inter Miami face a massive challenge against PSG in the Club World Cup last 16, but coach Javier Mascherano believes in his team’s dream. With Lionel Messi leading the way and a squad full of experienced players, Miami will fight hard and hope for a famous upset. As Mascherano says, “Why can’t we dream?” In football, anything is possible, and all eyes will be on Atlanta to see if Inter Miami can make history.
