Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano is counting on Lionel Messi’s lingering emotions from his difficult stint at Paris Saint-Germain to fuel a strong performance when the two sides face off in the Club World Cup semifinal on Sunday (June 29).
Miami, the surprise package of Group A, qualified after a gritty run that saw them beat Porto and draw with Palmeiras and Al Ahly. Their reward: a high-stakes encounter against European champions PSG — now transformed under Spanish coach Luis Enrique.
Messi spent two challenging seasons at PSG after leaving Barcelona, and he has been vocal about his struggles in Paris. Speaking after his move to Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner described that phase as “difficult,” citing unhappiness in day-to-day training and difficulty adapting to his surroundings.
“It’s clear it would be better for us if he was angry,” Mascherano told ESPN. “He’s one of those players who, when he has something in mind, gives a bit extra.”
However, Mascherano, who is leading his first club as head coach, acknowledged that facing PSG on American soil wouldn’t quite carry the same emotional intensity for Messi.
“I think that’s in the past now — it’s another story. Also, the fact that it’s here in the United States, I don’t think the atmosphere will be the same,” he said. “But we’ll try to play a great game. We know we need to be perfect, and we’ll go for it.”
Sunday’s match will also see several familiar faces reunite with former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique. Messi, Mascherano, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba were all key figures under Enrique during the club’s historic treble-winning 2014–15 season.
“Luis Enrique is the best — not just as a coach, but in how he manages the group,” said Alba, who also worked under Enrique with the Spanish national team. “He’s a phenomenon. I’m excited to see him and his staff, but once the whistle blows, we’ll try to beat them.”
Suarez, who scored in Miami’s 2–2 draw against Palmeiras, also praised his former coach: “Along with Maestro Tabarez from Uruguay, he’s the most important coach of my career. He made me even more competitive, taught me new movement, and had a big influence on me both professionally and personally.”
Mascherano, a close friend of Enrique and his family, expressed his admiration but made it clear that his focus is solely on the match.
“That’s the beautiful thing about football — these kinds of reunions,” he said. “I don’t think I deserve this stage as a coach just yet, but it’s a beautiful opportunity. I always wish him the best, just not on Sunday. Hopefully, luck will be on our side.”
With Messi’s past adding fuel to the fire, and Miami’s veterans reuniting with their former coach, Sunday’s clash promises more than just high-quality football — it’s a meeting loaded with history, emotion, and ambition.
