As the Club World Cup heats up, one matchup has everyone talking—Inter Miami vs. Paris Saint-Germain. It’s not your typical football showdown.
On one side, you’ve got the freshly crowned Champions League winners.
On the other, a team from the MLS that’s still finding its rhythm on the global stage.
But if you ask Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, there’s still room to dream.
Mascherano Believes in a Miracle
Javier Mascherano knows the odds are stacked against his team, but he’s not backing down.
With Lionel Messi leading his squad, he believes anything is possible—even against a powerhouse like PSG.
“We’re up against one of the best teams in the world, and we know that,” he admitted during a press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash in Atlanta.
“But this is football. Why can’t we dream of something special?”
Kick-off is set for 18:00 (SA time), and while PSG are overwhelming favourites, Mascherano is urging his players not to count themselves out before the game even starts.
“We’ve Earned This Chance”
Mascherano isn’t naïve about the challenge.
He knows PSG have the depth, the form, and the pedigree.
But he’s reminding his squad—and everyone else—that Inter Miami didn’t get here by accident.
“We know we’re seen as the weaker team. That’s clear,” he said.
“But that doesn’t mean we’re out of it before the first whistle.
We’ll fight. That’s what football is about. The important thing is—we earned this right to be here.”
Messi’s Presence Makes a Difference
One thing Mascherano is particularly grateful for? That Lionel Messi is playing with Inter Miami now, not against them.
“Everything around Leo draws attention,” Mascherano said.
“Especially after Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022.
But what matters most is that he’s fit, and he’s with us. That gives us a sense of calm.
After that, it’s just about playing the best football we can.”
A Special Reunion on the Sidelines
Sunday’s clash also carries a personal twist for Mascherano.
He’ll be facing PSG coach Luis Enrique—his former manager during their time together at Barcelona.
“Luis is one of the best coaches I’ve ever had,” he said warmly.
“He convinced me to stay at Barça back in the day.
Facing him now, with all he’s done for Barcelona, Spain, and now PSG—it’s an honour.”
This reunion also involves a handful of familiar faces: Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba—all of whom were part of Barcelona’s historic treble-winning squad in 2015 under Enrique.
From Porto to PSG: Miami’s Surprise Journey
Inter Miami’s route to this high-profile showdown included a surprising win over FC Porto, helping them secure second place in Group A behind Brazilian side Palmeiras.
It’s a run few predicted, and now they’re hoping to extend it with what would be a legendary upset.
Redondo: “We’ll Need to Defend Like Never Before”
Midfielder Federico Redondo, son of Real Madrid icon Fernando Redondo, is under no illusions. He knows what’s coming.
“PSG are the best team in the world right now,” the 22-year-old said.
“When you face a team like that, you don’t get to play your game much.
You’re forced to defend—and defend well.”
And as for any words of wisdom from his famous dad? Nothing tactical—just classic dad advice.
“He told me to enjoy it and keep doing what we’ve been doing. We’ve had three great games so far.”
Can David Beat Goliath?
Sunday’s game is shaping up to be a true David vs Goliath scenario.
With Messi at the heart of Inter Miami and Mascherano rallying the troops, could this be one of those magical football nights where the underdog writes history?