As excitement builds ahead of the Club World Cup Round of 16, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has expressed belief in his team’s ability to defy the odds and stun European champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
Despite acknowledging the gap in quality between the two teams, Mascherano insists that Inter Miami, led by football legend Lionel Messi, will not back down from the challenge set to unfold in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday.
“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?” Mascherano told reporters on Saturday.
“My message (to the players) is that this is not over yet, there is a game to be played. We know we are taking on an opponent of unique power, one of the best in the world, but this is football.”
Mascherano urged his players to aim for a near-perfect performance against PSG, who recently clinched the UEFA Champions League title.
‘We’re Not Naive, But We’ll Fight’ – Mascherano
The former Argentina international emphasized that while PSG are the clear favourites, Inter Miami are not to be written off.
“We are not naive, we know that the feeling around the game is we are the weaker team, that’s clear,” he said.
“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 the Game-Changer for Inter Miami
Mascherano also highlighted the importance of having 38-year-old Lionel Messi, a player he once captained alongside at the international level, on his side rather than PSG’s.
“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.”
Reunion with Luis Enrique Adds Emotional Angle
Mascherano is also anticipating an emotional reunion with PSG coach Luis Enrique, under whom he played at FC Barcelona. The duo, along with Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba, were part of the 2015 treble-winning Barcelona squad.
“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… 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 qualified for the knockout stage after a surprise win against FC Porto, finishing second behind Palmeiras in Group A. Their reward? A formidable clash against Champions League winners PSG.
Redondo: We Know What We’re Up Against
Federico Redondo, son of legendary Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Redondo, is aware of the magnitude 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,” said the 22-year-old midfielder.
Despite the uphill battle, Redondo says he received a familiar message from his father ahead of the high-profile encounter.
“(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,” he added.
