Jun 23, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) controls the ball during the second half of a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup against SE Palmeiras at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Hannah Mckay-Reuters via Imagn Images

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Anger Makes Messi More Dangerous: Mascherano Warns PSG Ahead of FIFA Club World Cup Last-16 Clash

Speaking ahead of the match against PSG, Mascherano stated that that Lionel Messi is at his most dangerous when he has something to prove.

Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has issued a warning to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of their FIFA Club World Cup Round of 16 clash. The French champions secured their spot in the knockouts with a clinical 2-0 win over Seattle Sounders at Lumen Field and finished top of their group.

Meanwhile, Inter Miami had looked poised to top Group A after racing to a 2-0 lead against Palmeiras, but were pegged back in the second half. Eventually, both sides settled for a 2-2 draw. The result saw the MLS side drop to second place in Group A. As a result, Inter Miami will face Messi’s former club Paris St. Germain (PSG) in Sunday’s Club World Cup last-16 clash.

Messi’s two seasons in Paris, from 2021 to 2023, were marked by domestic success but the French giants failed to secure a Champions League trophy. Despite Messi forming a formidable attacking trio with Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, PSG were eliminated in the Champions League Round of 16 in both campaigns, falling to Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Off the pitch, Messi endured a frosty relationship with the PSG fanbase. The Argentine later admitted that his time in the French capital was “unhappy.”

For Us, It’s Better if Messi Plays Angry: Mascherano

Now, Messi will return to face his former side in the Club World Cup with a sense of unfinished business. He has been in stellar form this season with Inter Miami, scoring 10 goals and delivering six assists in 13 league appearances, earning the MLS Player of the Month award in May.

Speaking ahead of the match against PSG, Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano stated that that Lionel Messi is at his most dangerous when he has something to prove. Mascherano said,

“For us, it’s better if Messi plays angry. He’s one of those players who, when he has something stuck in his mind, gives a little extra.”

🎙️ “Messi angry at PSG?”

🇦🇷 Mascherano: “Obviously, it's better for us if Messi plays while he's angry, because he's the kind of player who, when he sets his mind on something, delivers an extra and exceptional performance.” pic.twitter.com/LnXbsQ54yA
— Barça Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) June 24, 2025

Mascherano will also reunite with a familiar face in the opposing dugout – PSG boss Luis Enrique. The two shared a successful spell at Barcelona, most famously during the historic 6-1 Champions League comeback against PSG in 2017, when the Catalans overturned a 4-0 first-leg deficit to reach the quarter-finals. That match featured Inter Miami players Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets while Jordi Alba was on the bench.

Also Read: Lionel Messi Turns 38: Inter Miami Ace Extends Incredible Record on Birthday After Inter Miami Qualify for Club World Cup Round of 16

Mascherano spoke warmly of his former manager. He said,

“Luis Enrique is my friend, beyond having had him as a coach for three years. We have a very beautiful relationship. It will be an honour to face one of the best coaches I had in my career.”

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Abhinav Goel

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I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.