Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano believes that Lionel Messi will be extremely motivated to perform at a high level against his former club Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 match of the Club World Cup on Sunday, BTA reported.
Messi, who joined PSG in 2021 after leaving Barcelona, spent two seasons in France, winning two Ligue 1 titles but failed to secure a Champions League trophy. His time at the club was marked by strained relations with the fans, with Messi later admitting that he was “unhappy” in Paris.
"It's better for us if Messi plays angry," Mascherano told ESPN.
"He's one of those players who, when he has something on his mind, gives a little more."
Mascherano was part of Barcelona's remarkable 6-1 comeback win over PSG in the last 16 of the Champions League in 2017, when the Catalan side, who had lost the first leg 4-0 in Paris, were coached by current PSG coach Luis Enrique.
Several Miami players took part in that epic encounter, with Jordi Alba remaining on the bench, but Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets all starting.
Discussing the meeting with Luis Enrique, Mascherano said: "Luis Enrique is a friend of mine, apart from that I had him as my coach for three years. We have a very good relationship. It will be an honor to face one of the best coaches I have had in my career.“