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Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano hopes that Lionel Messi’s difficult experiences during his time at Paris Saint-Germain will fuel the superstar’s motivation ahead of Sunday’s Club World Cup clash between Miami and the French giants.
Miami, who unexpectedly qualified from Group A after defeating Porto and drawing against Palmeiras and Al Ahly, now face the formidable task of taking on the reigning European champions.
Messi joined Inter Miami following two challenging seasons in Paris, where he openly admitted to struggling during his spell with PSG.
“It’s clear it would work in our favour if Messi is fired up by those memories, because he’s the kind of player who, when something is on his mind, gives a little extra,” Mascherano told ESPN.
However, the Argentine coach acknowledged that the emotions might not be as intense as they would be if the match were held in Europe rather than in the United States.
“I believe that chapter is behind us now; this is a different story. Also, since it’s here in the US, I don’t expect the atmosphere to be the same. But what we will try to do is play a great game. We know that if we want to have a chance, we must be perfect, and we’ll go for it,” he added.
Reflecting on his PSG tenure, Messi described it as “difficult.”
“I spent two years that I didn’t enjoy. I wasn’t happy day-to-day, with training sessions and matches; I struggled to adapt,” he said.
The Parisian side Messi will face has changed dramatically since his departure, having been reshaped under the guidance of Spanish coach Luis Enrique.
Several Miami players are familiar with Luis Enrique, having played under him during their time at Barcelona.
Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Messi, and Mascherano all featured under Enrique at Barcelona, where they secured the treble in 2015.
“I’ve said it countless times: For me, he’s the best — not only as a coach but also in how he manages the squad,” said Alba, who also worked with Enrique on the Spanish national team.
“He’s phenomenal. I’m excited to see him and his entire staff. I’ll give him a hug, but when the referee blows the whistle, we’ll be trying to beat him — as will everyone here,” added the left-back.
Suárez, who scored in Miami’s 2-2 draw with Palmeiras on Monday, praised Enrique’s influence on his career.
“For me, alongside Maestro (Oscar) Tabárez of Uruguay’s national team, he’s been the most important coach I’ve had — for what he taught me and what I learned daily from him,” he said.
“He’s a coach who shaped me significantly. I already had a competitive nature, but he deepened it. He taught me to move within spaces and play roles I wasn’t used to, often without touching the ball much. On a personal level, we developed a great mutual respect and admiration for what he created for us players.”
Mascherano, now embarking on his first club coaching role, said he remains a close friend of Luis Enrique and his family.
“That’s one of the beautiful things about football sometimes. You come up against people you respect and like, but in my opinion, as a coach, I’m not quite ready to face him yet. Still, it will be a wonderful opportunity,” he said. “I always wish him the best, but not on Sunday. I hope luck is on our side then. I have a very good relationship with him and a lot of appreciation.”
