Better for us if Messi is angry: Mascherano

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano believes the unhappy memory of the Argentine superstar’s time in the French capital could be just what the American side needs to topple the incumbent UEFA Champions League winners when they face off in the Round-of-16 of the Club World Cup in Atlanta tonight. 

“It’s clear that for us it’s better if he [Messi] plays angry, because he’s one of those players who, when he has something on his mind, gives an extra effort,” Mascherano told ESPN after Miami’s 2-2 draw with Brazil’s Palmeiras earlier this week.

When PSG signed Messi from Barcelona in 2021, they thought he could deliver them the elusive Champions League title.

Unfortunately, they went backwards with him in the side, going out of Europe’s elite club competition in the last 16 two years running.

A quote by a columnist in French sports daily L’Equipe summed things up. “He [Messi] seemed to have as much desire to play in Ligue 1 as he did to go to the dentist,” wrote Vincent Duluc. 

After being buffeted by criticism at PSG, Messi will be looking to have the last laugh against the French giants.

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