Lionel Messi: Inter Miami Leaves Good Image At The 2025 Club World Cup

JAKARTA - Inter Miami star Lionel Messi said his team had left a good image at the 2025 Club World Cup despite losing 0-4 against Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.

"Well, the game was as expected. They (PSG) are a big team, obviously they are the last edition Champions League champions."

"It's very good. It was a game we expected. We tried to do our best. We left a good image at the 2025 Club World Cup level," said Messi.

Inter Miami ended the group stage in second place after recording two draws and a 2-1 win over FC Porto.

The Herons almost took the top spot. During a Palmeiras meeting in the group's last game, they had a 2-0 lead before finally breaking two goals in the last minute to force the draw.

As a result, Inter Miami had to settle for a second place due to losing on a goal difference of only one.

If he can win the group, Inter Miami will get an easy opponent, namely Botafogo from Brazil in the round of 16.

Unfortunately, that expectation was not achieved. Instead they face PSG, which according to Messi presents too complicated challenges.

"We stick with the sentiment against Palmeiras that after winning 2-0 and drawing, we have to face a more complicated PSG."

"However, it was also not a disappointment, it was just a situation that could be different. Getting a draw in the final minutes left a bitter taste, but I think beyond that we were able to compete."

"It's over and now we have to think about what will happen next," said Messi again.

Left-back Jordi Alba agrees with Messi and says the team meets the expectations that have been set for itself ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup which was followed by 32 teams.

"Yes, we have three rivals in our group who are also very strong. To be honest, we are better. I will say it openly, in my opinion we are better than our three rivals in the group."

"We talk about very great rivals. They really test your abilities, but, well, things are like that. It's something to be proud of," said Alba.

The defender then emphasized that the tournament was an opportunity to learn for many young players in the squad who did not have experience in Europe.

For former Inter Miami academy players, such as Benjamin Cremchi and Noah Allen, the 2025 Club World Cup is the first chance to face the club - in this case the defending champions of the Champions League - outside the Concacaf region in a competitive atmosphere.

"With Leo's arrival (Messi), they have opened many doors to everyone. Of course, more people admire him."

"Also with the arrival of Luis Suarez and (Sergio) Busquets, we are trying to help all young players grow, develop and learn a lot for the future."

"That's what I said before. I think we are better than the three games played by our group's three rivals."

"In the end, I always said, we are all human, and some are better or worse."

"However, I think they have met their expectations. They must see that they can also take a step forward because they are able to be better in our match," said Alba.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano added that the experience of playing on the international stage will only help the club as they return to the regular Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

"There are great lessons that can be learned from here. We will review all of this and I think everything goes hand in hand now if we will be able to take stock from this experience.

"I think this will help us when we take him to the league. It goes without saying again that it depends on the personal intelligence we have as a team to be able to take advantage of this experience," Mascherano said.

Inter Miami took action again on July 5, 2025 with the match against CF Montreal at MLS. They will then begin preparing for the 2025 MLS League Cup (League Cup) which starts on July 30, 2025.