Latest news with #JavierMascherano
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Javier Mascherano Makes Major Lionel Messi Claim Ahead of Inter Miami-PSG Match
PSG punched their ticket to the knockout stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup with a 2-0 win over the Seattle Sounders on Monday at Lumen Field. Up next, they'll take on a familiar foe in Inter Miami, led by former PSG star Lionel Messi. Inter Miami looked set to finish atop Group A after jumping out to a 2-0 lead against Palmeiras, but the Brazilian club rallied with two second-half goals to secure a draw and claim the top spot. That result dropped the South Florida side to second, setting up a clash with PSG in the next round. Advertisement Messi spent three years with PSG from 2021 to 2023 after his surprising departure from FC Barcelona. He joined a star-studded attack alongside Neymar Jr. and Kylian Mbappé, but even with that trio, the team never got past the Round of 16, falling to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Will Lionel Messi play with a chip on his shoulder against PSG?Ahead of Sunday's match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano stated that for his side, it would be ideal that the Argentine play with his emotions at the forefront. 'No, it's clear that for us it's better if he plays angry, because he's one of those players who, when he has something on his mind, gives an extra effort,' Mascherano told SportsCenter. 'But well, I think that's already in the past; it's a different story now. Advertisement 'Also, since it's here in the United States, I don't think the atmosphere will be the same. What we will try to do is play a great game because, to have any chance, we need to have a perfect match, and we will go for it.' Messi's time in Paris ended on a bitter note, with some PSG fans booing him and protesting his signing. He has also shared his honest thoughts about his stint in the French capital during an interview with Apple Music earlier this year. 'The way things turned out in my last years in Paris, even though I had to make a quick decision to leave Barcelona, I ended up spending two years that I didn't enjoy,' Messi said. 'I wasn't happy day to day—whether it was training, matches, or just adapting to everything.' Now, the two parties will meet in the knockout stage, and all the interviews of the player bashing the club will resurface. Furthermore, PSG fans will want a convincing win to have a final laugh over a player who didn't want to be there in the first place.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Inter Miami can dream of shocking PSG: Mascherano
Javier Mascherano insists his Inter Miami side can shock European champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup last 16 on Sunday, despite admitting they are levels below the French giants. With Argentine great Lionel Messi leading the charge, Miami surprised in the group stage as they progressed but facing newly-crowned Champions League winners PSG in Atlanta is a "huge challenge" in the coach's eyes. Advertisement "We will try to be up to the standard, we will try to do things in the best way we can, and why can't be dream of being able to shock them?" Mascherano told a news conference Saturday. "My message (to the players) is that this is not over yet, there is a game to be played. We know we are taking on an opponent of unique power, one of the best in the world, but this is football. "Tomorrow, why not try to play the best game possible, a near-perfect game for us, and have the chance of competing and some chance of going through." Despite PSG being heavy favourites, Mascherano said his side cannot be written off before a ball is kicked at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Advertisement "We are not naive, we know that the feeling around the game is we are the weaker team, that's clear," continued Mascherano. "That doesn't mean they can kill us in advance. We will fight, that's what it's about. I think the beautiful thing about the game tomorrow is that we have earned the right to play it." The coach said he was glad 38-year-old playmaker Messi played for Miami now, rather than PSG. "Everything around Leo generates a lot of interest, we Argentines know that after the World Cup (win in 2022) and all of that," said Mascherano. "The most important thing is that Leo is well and that Leo plays for us. I think that helps keep us calmer than anything. And after that, it's a game of football." Advertisement - Reunion - Mascherano was also looking forward to meeting PSG boss Luis Enrique, who coached him, as well as Miami players Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba at Barcelona, all of them winning the treble together in 2015. "Luis is one of the best coaches I've had in my career, I have a good personal relationship with him," said Mascherano. "He was one of those who convinced me to stay at Barca back in that era... he's a great coach who has shown it with Barcelona, now in Paris, and also in the Spanish national team... "It's also good to test yourself against this type of coach, this type of team, it's a challenge." Advertisement Inter Miami earned a surprise win against Portuguese side Porto on their way to qualifying second from Group A behind Palmeiras. Federico Redondo, son of former Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Redondo, accepted his team will have to defend well to stand any chance of securing a result against the French champions. "The reality is they are the best team in the world, and when you have a team of that level, they dominate you and oblige you to defend more," said the 22-year-old Argentine. Redondo said his father had not given him any special advice for the clash against Champions League winners PSG. "(He said) what he always does, that I should enjoy it, and that we keep doing what we've been doing, that we've had three great games," added Redondo. rbs/rcw
New York Times
14 hours ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Messi and Inter Miami ready to ‘fight' against ‘possibly the best team in the world' PSG, says Mascherano
Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano says his side should not be written off before facing European champions and 'possibly the best team in the world' Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday's Club World Cup last 16 fixture in Atlanta. The teams will meet at noon local time in Atlanta and the MLS side are underdogs against Luis Enrique's team who demolished Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final at the end of the European season. Advertisement Miami qualified for the knockout stages unbeaten after taking two draws from Palmeiras and Al Ahly, as well as beating Porto but this game against PSG represents their sternest test yet in the competition. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Mascherano said: 'It goes without saying we are quite aware that we are the weaker of the two teams but in no way does this mean we should be declared dead before we have even started. We have won the right to be here. The challenge is to come here and fight against possibly the best team in the world. 'We cannot show up thinking we will throw in the towel. We need to give our darnedest to win. I don't know many times as a club we will get this opportunity so we need to make the most of it and enjoy it.' Mascherano also said Lionel Messi will need to guide his less experienced team-mates through a high level knockout game. Mascherano said: 'The best message is not Leo's words but his actions on the field; you saw it against Palmeiras, he gave us 95 amazing minutes, physically speaking he was almost at his limit, but still he set the pace for his colleagues and the rhythm, he knows how he needs to be guiding his colleagues, particularly the youngest ones.' For Mascherno, tomorrow's match is an opportunity to face his former coach Luis Enrique. On Saturday, Mascherno said that the PSG manager, who coached Mascherano, Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets at Barcelona, is one of the managers 'who impacted me the most in my career.' 'I have a relationship with him that goes beyond football,' Mascherano said. 'I haven't seen him in a while — the last time, I think, was at the World Cup draw in 2022, so it's been quite a few years. It will be a joy to see him, and my relationship with him has been spectacular. 'With everything he went through this past season, I was incredibly, incredibly happy for him. But the goal tomorrow is to be up to the task, to do it the best we can, and why not— dream about pulling off an upset.'
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Heat, heart and high stakes: Club World Cup defies critics as Messi, minnows and money steal the show
ATLANTA, June 28 — The Club World Cup's various problems have been well documented, from empty seats to storm delays, extreme heat to complaints about FIFA's expanded competition being a cash grab at the expense of the players' long-term health. However, with the right ingredients slow-cooking in the United States summer sun, there has also been plenty to enjoy about the tournament so far. Several stars are getting their encore moments, including Inter Miami's cast of ageing former Barcelona greats, led by Lionel Messi. Now 38, Messi helped the Major League Soccer side make the last 16 against the odds, which coach Javier Mascherano said was 'historic'. Messi's mere presence still provokes intense reactions, including from a young boy in an Argentina shirt at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta in tears before the new NBA-style walk-outs, overcome at the prospect of seeing his hero live. He delivered, too, whipping a superb free-kick into the top corner to earn Miami a shock victory over Porto. 'I'm a Messi fan, he's still one of the best players in the world – that Porto game we weren't supposed to win,' said Yemi Obono, a 34-year-old tech product manager who lives in Atlanta. He and many others will get another chance to see the forward when Inter Miami face European champions Paris Saint-Germain in Georgia again this weekend in the last 16. '(Watching Messi) was like a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me... I hope I can go on Sunday and see him again,' added Obono. 'I'm happy – at first I wasn't happy we came second (in the group).' Messi's reunion with PSG is one of many narratives to catch the eye. With clubs taking the competition seriously, not least because of the total of US$1 billion in prize money on offer, these matches feel 'canon', unlike pre-season friendly tours. 'I'm pretty sure for the South American teams, for the Brazilian teams, for Argentinian teams, this competition is maybe the maximum,' said Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola, who hailed the passion of the South American fans in particular. 'People are surprised (when) European teams lose,' added Guardiola. 'Welcome to the real world my friends.' Botafogo stunned PSG in the group stage with a 1-0 win, Chelsea suffered a stinging 3-1 defeat by another Brazilian side in Flamengo, and Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid were eliminated early. The group stage has offered some of the tension the revamped UEFA Champions League first round lacked. The Club World Cup has also offered a first look at Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid project, and new signings like Los Blancos duo Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen, Chelsea's Liam Delap and several Manchester City arrivals. Coaches including Bayern's Vincent Kompany have appreciated the extra time they have to work in depth with players, swallowed up in the season by recovery sessions amid the packed calendar. '99 per cent' The tournament has been an opportunity to celebrate teams who rarely get to enjoy the global spotlight. While some mocked New Zealand amateurs Auckland City after their opening 10-0 defeat by Bayern Munich, it highlighted how impressive their 1-1 draw against Boca Juniors was in their final game. 'We're representing 99 per cent of club teams in world football who are amateurs... we all have day jobs,' said vice-captain Adam Mitchell. Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds' fans went toe-to-toe with their River Plate counterparts in creating a superb atmosphere, which is no mean feat. Although River and Argentine rivals Boca were eliminated, their passionate supporters helped bring the tournament to life. Even if stadiums are not full, the fans who are there are bringing the noise – and the average attendance is higher than for La Liga, Serie A and Ligue 1 last season. Brazilian clubs have flexed their muscles, with all four reaching the last 16, surprising those who thought the gap to Europe's elite was too great. With the likes of PSG, City, Real and Bayern looking to go deep, some impending blockbuster clashes may yet win over those resistant to the spectacle. The Club World Cup is a tournament in its infancy, with room to improve, but is already showing it has more heart than some expected. — AFP
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami Earns Staggering Amount With Club World Cup Knockout Berth
Lionel Messi's Inter Miami Earns Staggering Amount With Club World Cup Knockout Berth originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Against the odds, Inter Miami has advanced to the knockout stages after drawing 2-2 against Palmeiras at the Hard Rock Stadium. The group consisted of Palmeiras, Al Ahly, and FC Porto. Advertisement Lionel Messi wasn't involved in any Inter Miami goal today, but he was essential in helping the team advance to the knockout stages, which has led to significant prize money for the club. The MLS side will be playing PSG in the Round of 16, which finished second in Group B. Despite the PSG game being a difficult game for the MLS team, the club will already be satisfied with the amount they have earned after reaching the knockouts. This could help the club bring in players for the upcoming MLS summer transfer window that opens on July 24 and closes on August 21. Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has spoken publicly about wanting new signings for the team ahead of the rest of the MLS Season. How Much has Inter Miami earned in the CWC? Inter Miami secured around $9.5 million for qualifying for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The club earned an extra $3 million from the group stage after drawing 0-0 against Al Ahly and beating FC Porto 2-1. Advertisement Inter Miami's result against Palmeiras means the MLS side will have secured an extra $7.5 million due to the team reaching the Round of 16. So far, Inter Miami has earned around $21 million. The winner of the FIFA Club World Cup will likely earn around $125 million as the prize pool for the teams participating this summer is around $1 billion. Inter Miami is expected to earn more prize money this summer as the 2025 Leagues Cup gets closer. The tournament that only features MLS and Liga MX teams starts on July 30. Inter Miami 2-2 Palmeiras Inter Miami took the lead in the first half after a brilliant counterattack that left Tadeo Allende one-on-one with the Palmeiras goalkeeper. Advertisement Luis Suarez gave a great pass to Allende, who went on a run towards the goal and finished it past Weverton. In the second half, Luis Suarez scored an incredible solo goal in the 65th minute that got Inter Miami closer to securing first place in Group A. In the 80th minute, Palmeiras would start to turn things around in Group A. Paulinho scored in the 80th minute to make it 2-1. In the 88th minute, Mauricio scored the equalizer for Palmeiras to secure first place. Palmeiras finished first with five points, with a goal difference of +2. Inter Miami finished with five points as well, but with a goal difference of +1. FC Porto and Al Ahly have been eliminated from the Club World Cup but displayed an epic 4-4 draw at the MetLife Stadium. Advertisement Related: Lionel Messi Makes FIFA Club World Cup History With Inter Miami Goal vs FC Porto Related: Clint Dempsey Showers Christian Pulisic With Major Honor This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
