Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, and their fellow Inter Miami players gathered at their practice facility in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Thursday, gearing up for a momentous training session. On the surface, the session appeared routine, featuring dribbling drills, shared laughs, and interactions with coaches. However, this practice held significant weight as they prepared for one of the most critical games in their five-year club history.
In just a few days, Inter Miami is set to face the formidable Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Club World Cup’s round of 16. This matchup carries an array of intriguing storylines. Miami finds itself as the clear underdog against PSG, who emerged victorious in the recent Champions League finals by defeating Inter Milan 5-0. This game poses an unfamiliar challenge for Messi, who rarely steps onto the field as anything other than a favorite.
It will mark the first encounter for Messi with PSG since his departure in 2023 after two seasons. Adding to the drama, he will face his former Barcelona coach, Luis Enrique, now at the helm of PSG. Enrique’s influence on Messi and several Inter Miami stars has been profound. Under Enrique’s leadership from 2014 to 2017, Barcelona claimed nine titles, including two La Liga trophies, three Copa del Rey victories, and one Champions League triumph. Messi, Suarez, and Neymar formed the celebrated “MSN” trio under Enrique, amassing 364 goals and 173 assists in just three seasons.
Luis Suarez spoke highly of Enrique’s impact, stating, “He has been very important to my career, enhancing my competitive spirit.” Miami teammates Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets also have history with Enrique, and their coach, Javier Mascherano, shares a close bond with him. “Luis Enrique is the best coach in the world, not just for his soccer acumen but also for his exceptional group management,” Alba remarked. Mascherano, reflecting on his own relationship with Enrique, expressed honor at the prospect of competing against such a revered coach.
The eagerly anticipated Club World Cup’s knockout stages commence on Saturday, with Inter Miami’s clash against PSG scheduled for Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. Despite recent challenges, Miami emerged as the sole Major League Soccer (MLS) team advancing to the round of 16. This achievement followed a hard-fought 2-2 draw against Palmeiras, securing their position as the runner-up in Group A. Prior to that, Messi’s signature free kick secured a 2-1 win over Porto, instilling confidence in Miami’s ability to shine on the global stage.
Acknowledging their underdog status for Sunday’s game, Suarez emphasized the significance of reaching the knockout stage in the club’s journey. The team remains undeterred by the daunting task ahead. Mascherano stated, “Facing Europe’s best — the Champions League champs — we aim to maintain unity and deliver a strong performance. Football is unpredictable; anything can unfold on the pitch. Perhaps Sunday will be our day to shine.”