Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) coach Luis Enrique acknowledged the enduring challenge of facing Lionel Messi, despite his team's dominant 4-0 victory over Inter Miami in the Club World Cup last 16 on Sunday. The match, held in Atlanta, saw PSG, the reigning European champions, overcome Inter Miami, which features a collection of former Barcelona stars including Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.
Joao Neves' early goal set the tone for PSG, who added three more goals before halftime. While Messi impressed in the second half, he couldn't break through PSG's defense.
"It is difficult to play against players of this calibre, it was difficult, but I think as a team we did an excellent job," Luis Enrique told reporters after the game. He noted the difference between the two halves, saying, "There's a visible difference between the first and second halves... their quality is evident, and I think we deserved the victory. It was harder than it may seem, after the first half".
Despite the comfortable scoreline, Luis Enrique emphasized the need for a collective approach to contain Messi. "Messi can dribble past any player," he stated. "If we want to stop Leo Messi, we can't rely on just one player because we'll be dead. We need collective defence". He had previously spoken about the importance of pressuring Inter Miami's experienced players, recognizing their continued ability to compete at a high level. "If we don't pressure them, we will be in trouble because Busquets is still the same, Leo Messi with the ball is unique, Luis Suarez...and Jordi Alba racing forward from deep is the same".
Luis Enrique, who coached Messi at Barcelona, where they won nine major titles together, has always held the Argentine in high regard. "I had the chance to coach Leo Messi at the peak of his game. But his peak has actually lasted 10–15 years or more," Enrique said. "That's why I'd say he's the best football player in history. I had the chance to win every possible title with him at Barcelona". Reflecting on his time coaching Messi, Enrique said, "I enjoyed it not only over those three years as his coach but also over countless training sessions…I saw Leo do things in training that were not human, incredible things…I have fond memories of that time".
PSG winger Ousmane Dembele echoed the sentiment of respect for Messi, saying he was "glad to see" Messi and his former Barcelona teammates. PSG defender Lucas Beraldo also expressed his admiration for Messi. "Leo is a unique person, to share a game with him was magnificent, I was a kid watching his magic on the television, so it's unique," Beraldo said.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano acknowledged the difficulty his team faced against PSG. "We are not naive and we know that we are the weaker team, but that doesn't mean that they will kill us beforehand. We will fight," the Argentine manager said. "The challenge tomorrow is to test ourselves against the best team in the world. We know how difficult the match will be". Despite the loss, Mascherano was pleased with his team's performance in the tournament.
Looking ahead, Luis Enrique emphasized PSG's ambition in the Club World Cup. "Clearly, we are experiencing a historic season for our club, we aim to go far in this competition," he said. "We are in the quarter-finals, with only eight teams remaining. Our goal is to progress as far as possible and to compete for the trophy". PSG's victory places them in the Club World Cup quarterfinals.
