The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner was on the losing side of a 4-0 rout in the Club World Cup’s round of 16
Lionel Messi says Inter Miami can walk away from the FIFA Club World Cup with their heads held high, despite a humbling 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 that ended their run in the competition.
Facing his former side at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Messi was unable to inspire the MLS outfit against a PSG team that looked sharper, faster and more cohesive from the first whistle.
Joao Neves struck twice for the reigning Champions League winners, while an own goal from Tomas Aviles and a well-taken finish from Achraf Hakimi had the French side cruising by half-time.
Still, the 38-year-old Argentine was keen to highlight the strides his team had made. “It was the game we expected,” said Messi. “They’re a huge team. Obviously, they are the champions of the last edition of the Champions League.
“We tried to do our best and I think we left a good image of ourselves at this level.”
Miami entered the tournament as Supporters’ Shield winners and came through the group stage unbeaten, finishing second behind Brazilian side Palmeiras. They came agonisingly close to topping the group, having led 2-0 in their final game against Palmeiras before conceding twice late on, a collapse that ultimately paired them with PSG instead of a more favourable draw.
“We remain with the sentiment against Palmeiras that winning the game 2-0, we drew and then had to face PSG, which was more complicated,” said Messi.
“Had we held on, things might’ve looked different. But it’s not a disappointment, just one of those situations in football. Beyond that, I think we competed well.”
Jordi Alba, who started alongside Messi and Sergio Busquets in Atlanta, said that Inter had overperformed based on the competition they faced.
“I genuinely believe we were the better side in our group matches,” the former Barcelona full-back said. “Against PSG, it’s another level. They stretch you. But I’m proud of how we got here and what we showed.”
On Instagram, Messi said: “Today the Club World Cup ends for us with a defeat against the current champion of the Champions, where there are people I appreciate and gave me joy to see again.
“We leave with pride to have achieved the goal of making it to the top 16 of the tournament.
“Now to focus on the @mls and all that is coming….”
