Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has shared his excitement and satisfaction after his team successfully advanced to the Round of 16 in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup. The Major League Soccer side earned a crucial 2-2 draw against Palmeiras on Monday, a result that guaranteed both clubs progression into the tournament’s knockout stage. Miami Takes Early Lead but Settles for a Draw Inter Miami started the game strongly, taking a commanding two-goal lead courtesy of strikes from Tadeo Allende and veteran forward Luis Suárez. Their attacking momentum gave them early control over the match. However, Palmeiras mounted a late comeback in the closing stages. With only ten minutes remaining on the clock, Paulinho and Mauricio found the back of the net, helping the Brazilian side secure an important draw and deny Inter Miami a win. Mascherano Reflects on Tough South American Opposition Speaking after the match, Mascherano praised his squad’s display against a highly respected opponent from the CONMEBOL region, describing it as a strong and commendable performance. “It was a great game from us. It’s difficult to play against one of the best teams in South America,” said the Argentine coach. “Maybe at the end, we had the game in our hands so the feeling is strange. But before the start of the tournament, if someone had told me we would perform like this against top-level clubs, I would have taken it immediately.” The draw placed Inter Miami in second position within their group, just behind Palmeiras, setting up a challenging fixture in the next round. Next Challenge: Paris Saint-Germain Awaits As runners-up, Inter Miami will now face Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in a high-stakes battle for a quarter-final slot. The upcoming clash is expected to be one of the tournament’s headline fixtures, with Lionel Messi’s former club standing between Miami and the next stage. Mascherano’s team, featuring big names like Luis Suárez and Tadeo Allende, will need to deliver a near-flawless performance to overcome the French champions and continue their Club World Cup dream.
Lionel Messi, the football icon and Inter Miami forward, has finally broken his silence about why his much-anticipated return to FC Barcelona never happened. After a historic World Cup win with Argentina in 2022, many believed the 38-year-old superstar would return to the club where he spent most of his illustrious career. Messi Wanted Barcelona Comeback After World Cup Glory Speaking during an interview with Simplemente Fútbol, Messi confessed that he had hoped for a second stint at Barcelona, the La Liga giant where he spent 17 memorable seasons. However, circumstances made the dream impossible. “I had the intention of returning to Barcelona and being able to go back to a place I always wanted to be, but it wasn’t possible again,” Messi explained. According to the Argentine legend, his decision was deeply influenced by his family and the joy of finally lifting the FIFA World Cup. “After that, it became a family decision. The fact that we won the World Cup also had a big impact,” he added. No Interest in Other European Clubs Messi also shared that he had no intention of playing for any other European clubs after his exit from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). “I was clear that I didn’t want to be at another team in Europe. I didn’t want to go to any of them,” he emphasized. A Legendary Career at Barcelona Lionel Messi’s career at FC Barcelona is nothing short of legendary. During his time at the club, he won an incredible 35 major trophies, including: His legacy at the Camp Nou continues to inspire football fans worldwide. You can explore Messi’s full career stats on the official UEFA website. New Chapter at Inter Miami Since joining Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer (MLS), Messi has already made a significant impact. The Argentine maestro has helped his new team secure: Messi’s presence has not only boosted the club’s performance but also raised the global profile of American soccer. Messi’s Journey Continues Although Lionel Messi’s return to Barcelona did not come to fruition, his journey continues to inspire millions. With family as a priority and a heart full of achievements, Messi’s move to Inter Miami reflects a new chapter—one where passion meets purpose. Read more about Messi’s MLS impact and how Inter Miami is reshaping U.S. soccer. BUY ANYTHING ON KONGA BUY NOW READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
