Javier Mascherano faced the media following Inter Miami’s 4-0 defeat to PSG in the Club World Cup Round of 16. Despite the scoreline, the Argentine coach stood by his team’s efforts and used the moment to highlight both the learning curve and the character of his players.

On understanding their limits coming into the game:
“We were very clear that we could only compete up to a certain level. Sooner or later, reality catches up with you.”

On his pride in the squad’s overall campaign:
“I’m proud of the players for the tournament they had. We lived up to the expectations placed on us.”

On conceding early and how it shaped the game:
“When you concede so early against a team like this, it’s very difficult. Especially when it’s from a set piece we had trained for.”

On the team’s second-half reaction:
“In the second half, they slowed down, and we were able to play more and show what we usually do in MLS.”

On his defensive plan and PSG’s quality:
“We tried to close the middle and gave them the wings, knowing it was risky. But you can’t cover the whole field. It’s a privilege to face the best. There is a clear difference in hierarchy.”

On the emotional toll of the first half:
“I wanted to be on the field with my players. I told them at halftime: ‘I want to be out there with you.'”

On critics suggesting a more defensive approach:
“What do you suggest—eight or ten players inside our box? That doesn’t guarantee anything either.”

On lessons from the tournament:
“Playing teams of this caliber gives us an experience we’re not used to. We need to capitalize on that now.”

On how PSG compares to the top teams he faced as a player:
“PSG is a great team. With this youth, quality, and a great coach, they might be remembered for a long time.”

On Lionel Messi’s performance and legacy:
“Even at 38, people still pay to watch Leo Messi. That speaks to his greatness.”

Inter Miami will resume MLS action next Saturday when they face CF Montréal in Canada.

The Round of 16 continues on Sunday with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami against Paris Saint-Germain.

Lionel Messi will be facing his old coach in Luis Enrique and his old team in Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday. Messi spent two years at his old club and will now be playing against them.

Inter Miami are the only team from MLS remaining in the Club World Cup and Javier Mascherano is the only Argentine coach remaining in the tournament. Inter Miami have nine Argentine players in the team with Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Luján, Tomás Avilés, Baltasar Rodríguez, Óscar Ustari, Tadeo Allende, Rocco Ríos Novo, Federico Redondo and Marcelo Weigandt.

In the second match of the day, Agustín Rossi and Flamengo play Bayern Munich.

Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique has stated that for him, Lionel Messi is the best player in history.

Lionel Messi will play against his old manager at FC Barcelona and his old club, Paris Saint-Germain, on Sunday in the Round of 16 at the Club World Cup. Inter Miami finished second in Group A while the reigning Champions League winners finished first in Group B.

Messi was coached by Luis Enrique from 2014 to 2017 at FC Barcelona where they would win nine trophies together, including a treble in one season. Currently coaching Paris Saint-Germain, Luis Enrique spoke to the media before their match. Here is what he had to say:

“Messi is without a doubt the best football player in history, in my opinion. I was lucky to have him in his prime… Which lasted 10 to 15 years, I don’t know how long that lasts.

“His longevity over so many years, competing at the highest level every three days.

“I’ve seen Messi do things in training that belong to another breed, incredible things.

“To be honest, if we want to stop Lionel Messi, it’s not possible to do it with just one player. Because if we try that way, we’re dead.

“We need to defend collectively. Everyone must be ready to defend, everyone must be ready to have, pass, and keep the ball.

“We have to do it as a team, not individually, because Leo Messi can dribble past any player.”

The Round of 16 at the Club World Cup begins on Saturday with 10 Argentine players available to play in the two matches.

In the first match of the Round of 16, it is Agustín Giay, Aníbal Moreno, José Manuel López and Palmeiras who finished first in Group A against Álvaro Montoro, Alexander Barboza and Botafogo who finished second in Group B.

Saturday’s second game is Ángel Di María, Gianluca Prestianni, Nicolás Otamendi and Benfica against Enzo Fernández, Aarón Anselmino and Chelsea who finished second in Group D. For Enzo Fernández, he will be playing against his old club.

The winners of both sets of matches will play against each other in the quarter finals.