AFCON 2025
Inter Miami faces a daunty task in the FIFA Club World Cup as they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the round of sixteen.
The Messi-led Inter Miami have been quite impressive in the tournament having progressed to the second round without losing a game.
Inter Miami qulified in second-place in Group A behind Palmeiras with five points after three matches in the first round.
For, a place in the last eight, Inter Miami will have to go past reigning European champions and tournament favorite PSG.
Here are three reasons why the Messi-lead team can create what will go down as arguably the biggest upset of the tournament.
Club World Cup: 3 reasons why Messi-led Inter Miami can knockout favorite PSG
1. The Lionel Messi factor
Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d’or recipient might have lost a yard or two of pace but remains a lethal force.
Messi’s stunning freekick against FC Porto secured Inter Miami’s only win the tournament which helped them sealed qualification for the last 16.
Lionel Messi, as he faces his former team, is still capable of creating magical moments in a split second.
Inter Miami have 10 other players on the pitch but they will practically rely on Messi’s individual brilliance in critical stages of the tie.
2. Counterattacking Threats
Inter Miami have shown that they are capable of catching teams of guard in transition. While PSG play a high-line and control possession, Inter Miami will sit back and wait for opportunities to explore the spaces left behind.
Tadeo Allende and Marcelo Weigandt as seen in the previous matches have capabilities to stretch defenses and create overloads on the flanks. The duo will look to use their pace to hurt Paris Saint-Germain’s defense while in transition.
Having watched how Botafogo sealed a one-nil win over PSG in the group stage, Inter Milan will look to play compact: a low block, disciplined defending and a clinical counterattack as they look to recreate the feat.
3. Home Advantage
Even though Inter Miami are going to play at the magnificent Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, they will have the support of all the American soccer fans as the only Major League Soccer team left in the competition. Inter Miami, having defeated FC Porto at the same group will look.to re-create the win over the European champions.
