Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique said his team’s 4-0 win over Inter Miami in the Club World Cup last 16 was more challenging than it appeared, despite the dominant scoreline.
João Neves opened the scoring early for PSG, before three goals late in the first half sealed a commanding lead.
Although Inter Miami, led by former PSG and Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, improved in the second half, they were unable to mount a comeback.
“It is difficult to play against players of this calibre. It was a tough match, but I think we did an excellent job as a team,” Luis Enrique told reporters post-match.
“There’s a clear difference between the first and second halves… their quality is evident, and I believe we earned the win. But it was harder than it may seem after the first half.”
Luis Enrique praised his squad, who are enjoying a historic season after securing a treble of Champions League, Ligue 1, and French Cup titles.
PSG winger Ousmane Dembélé said he was pleased to see Messi and former Barcelona teammates Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
Inter Miami coach Mascherano admitted PSG’s quality was too much for his side but said he was proud of his players’ efforts in the tournament.
“We reached the objective we had set, knowing our limits,” said Mascherano. “Today’s result was a reflection of the reality. But I’m extremely proud of the team and what we showed throughout the competition.”
He highlighted Messi’s influence, particularly in the second half, when Miami had more possession.
“Leo had a great game, especially in the second half when we managed to find him more often. PSG pressed heavily in the first half, and we struggled. But when they eased up, we were able to play more like we do in the MLS.”
Despite PSG’s current dominance in world football, the crowd in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium was awash with pink Inter Miami shirts, most bearing Messi’s iconic No. 10.
