Despite a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup’s round of 16, Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi remains optimistic, declaring that his team left a “good image” on the global stage. The Herons may have been eliminated, but Messi and his teammates see the tournament as a defining moment for the club’s growth and a testament to their ability to compete with the world’s elite.
“Well, the game was what we expected,” Messi said post-match. “PSG are a colossal team, the reigning Champions League winners. We knew it would be tough, but we gave our all and showed we belong at this level.” The Argentine icon highlighted the team’s effort, emphasizing that their performance in the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup was something to be proud of.
Inter Miami fought their way out of a challenging group stage, finishing second with two draws and a hard-fought 2-1 victory over FC Porto. Their final group match against Palmeiras was a near triumph, with Miami dominating and leading 2-0 until late concessions forced a draw. That result cost them the group lead and pitted them against the formidable PSG instead of Botafogo in the knockout round.
“Had we held on against Palmeiras, we would’ve faced Botafogo, which might have been less daunting,” Messi admitted. “The draw left a bitter taste, but it’s not a disappointment. We competed fiercely, and that’s what matters.” His words reflect a mindset focused on progress rather than regret, showcasing the resilience that has defined his legendary career.
Left-back Jordi Alba echoed Messi’s sentiments, praising the team’s performance against their group-stage opponents. “We were better than all three of our group rivals, honestly,” Alba declared. “Facing PSG, a team that really tests you, showed where we stand. We’ve proven we can hold our own, and that’s something to build on.” For Alba, the tournament was a chance to shine against top-tier competition and a learning experience for Inter Miami’s younger players.
The Club World Cup marked a significant milestone for homegrown talents like Benjamin Cremaschi and Noah Allen, who faced a European giant like PSG for the first time in a competitive setting. Alba credited the influence of global stars like Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets for inspiring the squad’s next generation. “With Leo’s arrival, doors have opened for everyone,” Alba said. “We’re helping these young players grow, evolve, and learn for the future. They’ve shown they can take that step forward.”
Head coach Javier Mascherano also saw the tournament as a valuable opportunity for growth. “There’s a huge lesson here,” he said. “This experience will strengthen us when we return to MLS. It’s up to us to leverage this and apply it to our domestic campaign.” Mascherano’s focus is on translating the team’s international exposure into success in the Major League Soccer season, which resumes with a match against CF Montreal on July 5, followed by preparations for the 2025 Leagues Cup starting July 30.
Far from a failure, Inter Miami’s Club World Cup journey showcased their potential to compete on the global stage. Messi, Alba, and Mascherano all agree: the Herons are shining brighter than ever, ready to carry their newfound experience into the challenges ahead.