29/6/2025–|Last update: 15:42 (Mecca time)
Paris Saint -Germain coach Luis Enrique faces his former player Lionel Messi on Sunday in a match between European champions and Inter Miami – which includes former veteran Barcelona players – at the Football Club World Cup at the Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
The mission of the 54 -year -old Spanish coach, who led Paris Saint -Germain to crown the Champions League last May, will stop the player who helped him score 9 major titles in three distinguished years in Barcelona.
“I had the opportunity to train Leo Messi at the height of his giving. But the top of his level lasted from 10 to 15 years or more,” Luis Enrique told reporters on Saturday.
“I can say that he is the best soccer player in history … I had the opportunity to win all possible titles with him in Barcelona.”
However, Saint -Germain coach warned of more things in Inter Miami, not just Messi.
“There is absolutely no doubt that they have the appropriate skills and quality,” he added, noting that the American team’s squad includes former Barcelona players such as Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez.
In response to a question about the suspension of the player who won the Golden Ball 8 times, Enrique stressed the follow -up of a collective style. “We cannot rely on only one player if we want to stop Liu Messi because we will be at the dead. We need a collective defense, as he can dodge any player,” he said.
Although he is the most fortunate candidate, Paris Saint -Germain is still enthusiastic after crowning the Champions League title. “We just won the Champions League, but we are thirsty and excited to continue to show that there is room for improvement,” Luis Enrique said.
“There is no better place than here in this wonderful stadium and in the face of a team that includes Messi,” he added.
Mascherano is ready for the challenge
Luis Enrique also highlighted the presence of his former teammate Javier Mascherano as coach of the opposing team. “He has the necessary qualifications to become a great coach. I am not surprised because I know Mascherano as a player. He was ready for a long time,” he said.
Mascherano acknowledged the size of the task of facing Paris Saint -Germain.
“We are not naive and we know that we are the weakest team, but this does not mean that they will kill us before the match. We will fight,” the Argentine coach told reporters.
“The challenge (today) will be a test for ourselves against the best team in the world. We know how difficult the match,” he added.
The confrontation in the roles of the knockout is a test for the two teams, as Saint -Germain seeks to add the world title to its European success, while Inter Miami is trying to prove himself in front of a competitor from the elite teams.