Inter Miami’s Club World Cup Journey Ends Against PSG

Following Inter Miami’s elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup at the round of 16, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the former Swedish star, voiced his support for Lionel Messi, suggesting he is playing with ‘statues’ at Inter Miami.

Inter Miami, led by Messi, was ousted from the Club World Cup after a 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) on Sunday.

Ibrahimovic, a former teammate of Messi at Barcelona, expressed his disappointment with the Miami team’s performance, stating that it was not Messi’s failure, but rather the team’s, as the Argentine legend is surrounded by players who are like ‘statues’.

“It wasn’t Leo Messi who suffered a setback; it was Inter Miami,” Ibrahimovic remarked.

“Messi is playing alongside statues, not fellow athletes. He is surrounded by individuals who move as if burdened by cement bags.”

Ibrahimovic, who had a stint with the LA Galaxy in MLS, noted the absence of a significant supporting star for Messi, implying he is essentially playing alone.

“This isn’t the Messi I recognize,” he stated.

“If he were integrated into a formidable squad, he would unleash his full potential. There’s a lack of guidance, prominent figures, or even players who grasp how to operate effectively off the ball. Should he find himself within a true, elite team, you would witness the true lion emerge.

“Messi perseveres independently because of his passion for the sport and his continued ability to execute plays beyond the capabilities of the vast majority. However, this depiction deviates from the Messi I am familiar with.”

Miami achieved a milestone as the first MLS team to triumph over a European club in a sanctioned tournament and progress to the Club World Cup’s knockout phase.

Messi, the captain of Miami, conveyed that the team gave their utmost effort and left a positive impression.

“The match unfolded as anticipated,” Messi, 38, commented following the loss to PSG.

“We endeavored to perform to the best of our abilities and believe we portrayed a favorable image on the Club World Cup stage.”