Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano holds onto hope that his team can achieve the extraordinary against PSG.

Javier Mascherano believes his Inter Miami team can pull off a surprise against European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 of the Club World Cup on Sunday, despite acknowledging that they are not on the same level as the French powerhouse.

With Argentine legend Lionel Messi at the forefront, Miami made an unexpected run in the group stage. However, facing the freshly crowned Champions League winners PSG in Atlanta presents a monumental challenge, according to the coach.

“We’ll aim to match their standards, to play as best as we can, and who says we can’t dream of pulling off an upset?” Mascherano shared during a news conference on Saturday.

“My message to the players is that it’s not over yet; there’s still a match to be played. We understand we’re up against an opponent of exceptional quality, one of the finest in the world, but this is football.

“Tomorrow, let’s strive to play our best game, a nearly perfect one for us, and give ourselves a chance to compete and potentially advance.“

Although PSG are considered overwhelming favourites for the match, Mascherano stressed that his team shouldn’t be dismissed before kick-off at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

“We aren’t naive; we know the sentiment around this game is that we’re the underdogs, and that’s clear,” Mascherano continued.

“But that doesn’t mean they can assume victory ahead of time. We will fight; that’s what it’s all about. The beautiful aspect of tomorrow’s game is that we’ve earned the right to compete.“

The coach expressed his satisfaction that 38-year-old playmaker Messi is now wearing Miami colours instead of PSG’s.

“Everything surrounding Leo brings immense interest; we Argentines know that after his World Cup triumph in 2022 and all that followed,” Mascherano stated.

“The most crucial thing is that Leo is fit and playing for us, which helps keep our spirits high. Ultimately, it’s just a football match.

Reunion

Mascherano is also eager to reconnect with PSG’s manager Luis Enrique, who previously coached him, as well as Miami teammates Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba from their time together at Barcelona, where they achieved a treble in 2015.

“Luis is one of the finest coaches I’ve worked with, and I share a good personal rapport with him,” Mascherano recalled.

“He was instrumental in convincing me to remain at Barcelona during that period… he’s shown his capabilities as a great coach with Barcelona, now at PSG, and also with the Spanish national team…

“It’s an excellent opportunity to challenge myself against such a coach and team; it’s a test.“

Inter Miami stunned many by defeating Portuguese side Porto to secure second place in Group A behind Palmeiras.

Federico Redondo, the son of former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Redondo, acknowledged that his team must defend resolutely to have any hope of securing a result against the French champions.

“The reality is they are the best team in the world, and a team of that calibre will dominate and force you to defend more,” said the 22-year-old Argentine.

Redondo mentioned that his father had not given him any specific tips for the game against PSG.

“(He advised) what he always does: to enjoy it and continue doing what we’ve been doing well, considering we’ve had three fantastic games,” added Redondo.

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