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Ibrahimovic Slams Inter Miami, Claims Messi Plays with ‘Statues’
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World Cup exit, saying lionel Messi is playing with 'statues' instead of teammates.">
Following Inter Miami’s crushing 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the FIFA Club world Cup round of 16, Zlatan Ibrahimovic didn’t hold back, asserting that Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami teammates are hindering the Argentinian superstar. The former Sweden forward, who once shared the pitch with Messi at Barcelona, described Miami’s players as “statues,” suggesting they lack the quality to complement Messi’s exceptional talent.
Ibrahimovic’s Critique of Inter Miami
Ibrahimovic minced no words in his assessment. “It wasn’t Leo Messi who lost; it was Inter Miami,” he declared. He elaborated, stating, “Messi plays with statues, not teammates. He’s surrounded by players who run as if they were carrying bags of cement.”
Did You Know? Inter Miami’s loss to PSG was a notable setback, especially considering the high expectations surrounding the team after Messi’s arrival.
The outspoken forward, who also had a stint in MLS with the LA Galaxy, suggested that fans are not witnessing the true potential of Messi due to the shortcomings of his current team. He believes that Messi needs to be surrounded by better players to truly shine on the field.
Messi’s Perspective Amidst the Criticism
despite the heavy defeat and Ibrahimovic’s harsh words, Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, chose to focus on the positive aspects of Inter Miami’s Club World Cup journey. Messi, 38, acknowledged that the game against PSG unfolded as expected. He also highlighted that Inter Miami made history by becoming the first MLS team to defeat a European club in official competition, securing a 2-1 victory against FC Porto in the group stage. Moreover, they were the sole MLS club to progress to the tournament’s knockout phase.
Pro Tip: Analyzing player statistics and team performance can provide a more objective view of Messi’s impact on Inter Miami.Tools like Transfermarkt offer detailed comparisons [1].
Inter Miami’s Club World Cup Performance
While Inter Miami’s Club World Cup campaign ended in disappointment, their participation marked a significant milestone for MLS. Their victory over FC Porto represented a historic moment, demonstrating the growing competitiveness of the league on the international stage. Though, the defeat against PSG exposed the gap that still exists between MLS teams and top European clubs.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Inter Miami vs. FC Porto | 2-1 (Win) |
| Inter Miami vs. paris Saint-Germain | 0-4 (Loss) |
The Future of messi and Inter Miami
The challenge for Inter Miami lies in building a team that can truly complement messi’s abilities. Improving the overall quality of the squad, both in terms of talent and tactical understanding, will be crucial for the team to compete at