Messi and Inter Miami Stars Brace for Showdown against Luis Enrique's PSG in Club World Cup

In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Lionel Messi and his Inter Miami teammates are gearing up for one of the most significant matches in the club's five-year history. As they took the field Thursday for training, with dribbling drills and occasional laughs, a steely focus permeated the air.

In the looming match, Miami will face the European powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the Club World Cup's round of 16, an encounter buzzing with tantalizing narratives.

PSG arrives as the reigning Champions League winners, having outclassed Inter Milan in a resounding 5-0 victory. For Messi, entering as an underdog is an unusual situation. This match marks his first encounter with his former club since parting ways in 2023.

Adding another layer to the drama, PSG is helmed by Luis Enrique, a pivotal figure in Messi's career. Enrique, formerly of Barcelona, coached Messi during one of the club's most glorious eras, including the unforgettable 'MSN' trio with Neymar and Suarez that dominated world football.

Suarez expressed his admiration for Enrique: “He upgraded my competitive nature immensely. Playing under him was transformative.” The sentiment resonates throughout the Miami squad, with Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, both mentored by Enrique, echoing respect. Coach Javier Mascherano considers Enrique a lifelong mentor, and he aptly summed up the anticipation: “Facing Enrique is both an honor and a challenge.”

Come Sunday, when the whistle blows at Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium, friendships will momentarily shelve as Inter Miami seeks an upset. After securing a place in the knockout stages through a gritty draw with Palmeiras, the Herons showed resilience. Suarez believes advancing highlights Miami's potential on the global stage, stressing their determination to defy the odds.

As Mascherano contends, “Football often surprises us. We may be the underdogs, but Sunday's outcome isn't written yet. We're ready for the challenge.”