Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano is banking on Lionel Messi’s past experiences at Paris Saint-Germain to motivate him ahead of Sunday’s encounter between the two sides in the Club World Cup.
Miami’s journey to the tournament has been somewhat unexpected, having advanced from Group A after securing a victory over Porto and earning draws against Palmeiras and Al Ahly. Now, they face the formidable challenge of taking on the recently crowned European champions.
Messi made the switch to Miami following a two-year stint in the French capital, during which he made no secret of his dissatisfaction with his time at PSG.
“It would definitely be beneficial for us if he were feeling fired up, because he’s one of those players who really steps up when he’s motivated,” Mascherano told ESPN.
However, the Argentine coach acknowledged that the emotional stakes will be lower compared to if Messi were facing PSG on their home turf, rather than meeting his former team in Atlanta.
“That’s behind us now; it’s a different narrative. Plus, being here in the United States, I don’t think the atmosphere will be the same. Our focus will be on delivering a fantastic performance. We know that to have a chance, we need to execute a perfect game plan, and that’s exactly what we’re aiming for,” he stated.
Reflecting on his time in Paris after joining Miami in Major League Soccer, Messi described his experience as “challenging”.
“I spent two years where I didn’t really enjoy myself. I wasn’t happy on a day-to-day basis with training or matches; it was hard for me to adjust to it all,” he said.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient will encounter a PSG that has undergone significant changes since his departure, now rejuvenated under the stewardship of Spanish coach Luis Enrique.
Several members of the Miami squad are well-acquainted with Luis Enrique, having played under him during their time at Barcelona.
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‘He’s the best’
Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Messi, and Mascherano were all part of Enrique’s Barcelona squad that clinched the treble in 2015.
“I’ve stated it countless times: For me, he’s the best – not just in terms of coaching, but also in how he manages his players,” said Alba, who also collaborated with Luis Enrique while with the Spanish national team.
“He’s truly remarkable. I’m eager to see him and his entire staff. I’ll give him a hug, but once the whistle blows, my goal is to beat him, just like everyone else here,” added the left-back.
Suarez, who found the net in the 2-2 draw against Palmeiras on Monday, shared similar sentiments about the Spanish coach.
“For me, alongside Maestro (Oscar) Tabarez with the (Uruguay) national team, he was the most influential coach in my career for what they taught me and the insights I gained during our daily interactions,” he remarked.
“He has had a tremendous impact on my career. While I already had a competitive spirit, he instilled even more into me. He showed me how to perform in an unfamiliar role where I didn’t have the ball much… On a personal level, we share a great relationship built on mutual respect and admiration for what he achieved for us as players.”
Mascherano, taking on his first coaching role at a club, mentioned that he continues to maintain a personal friendship with the PSG coach and his family.
“That’s one of the beautiful aspects of football. You find yourself in these situations, and I don’t feel quite worthy of this role as a coach just yet. However, this presents a wonderful opportunity.
“I always wish him well; unfortunately, that won’t apply this Sunday. I hope fortune favours us then. But yes, I have a lovely relationship with him, and I have a lot of appreciation for him,” he concluded.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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