Lionel Messi proud of Inter Miami’s exploits at the FIFA Club World Cup despite being kicked out by PSG
Lionel Messi believes Inter Miami left “a good image” at the Club World Cup, despite being knocked out of the tournament by Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16.
Miami were well-beaten by the European champions, who were 4-0 victors in Atlanta on Sunday, thanks to a double from Joao Neves, as well as an own goal from Tomas Aviles and an Achraf Hakimi strike, all of which came in the first half.
PSG dominated the opening period, having 10 attempts, while Miami failed to muster a shot on goal. The Herons marginally improved after the break, with eight efforts, three of which were on target.
Messi was coming up against his former team, where he spent two seasons after leaving boyhood club Barcelona, and finished the game with the joint-most shots of any player on the pitch (four, level with Hakimi and Bradley Barcola), testing Gianluigi Donnarumma twice.
And though Miami made an early exit from the Club World Cup, Messi was pleased with the account the team made during the tournament.
“Well, the game was what was expected,” Messi said. “They are a huge team. Obviously, they are the champions of the last edition of the Champions League.
“[They’re] very good. It was the game we expected. We tried to do the best possible, and we left a good image in the Club World Cup level.”
Miami qualified for the Club World Cup as MLS Supporters’ Shield winners and went unbeaten through the group stage, finishing second in Group A behind Palmeiras.
However, they came close to topping the group after taking a 2-0 lead against the Brazilian side, only to concede two late goals in a draw. Had they topped the group, they would have faced Botafogo in this round.
“We remain with the sentiment against Palmeiras that [instead of]winning the game 2-0, [Miami drew] and we had to face PSG, which was more complicated,” Messi added.
“But well, it’s not a disappointment either, it’s just simply a situation that could’ve been different. Getting the draw in the final minutes left a sour taste, but I think beyond that, we competed.
“It’s over, and now we have to think about what’s next.”
Jordi Alba also agreed with Messi that Miami had lived up to the expectations they had set for themselves prior to the tournament.
“Well, we’ve had three rivals in our group who are also very strong, and we’ve been better, honestly,” he said. “I’ll say it openly, we were better than all three of our group rivals, in my opinion.
“We were talking about a very great rival [in PSG], and they really put you through their paces, but, well, things are what they are, and that’s something to be proud of.”
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