Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique said it will be an “emotional” moment to face Lionel Messi and his new team, Inter Miami, in Sunday’s Club World Cup match. Enrique coached Messi during their time together at Barcelona and will now face him again — this time as rivals.
Messi joined PSG from Barcelona in 2021, but left in 2023 — the same summer Enrique took over as PSG coach. During his time in Paris, Messi won two Ligue 1 titles but couldn’t help the team win the Champions League. Enrique later led PSG to that long-awaited European title by beating Inter Milan on May 31.
Speaking at a press conference, Enrique said, “This match is very special for me and for the club. It’s emotional for the players who played alongside Messi here too.”
Enrique is also looking forward to seeing other familiar faces at Inter Miami, including Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and head coach Javier Mascherano — all of whom he managed during Barcelona’s famous treble-winning season in 2015.
“It’s a beautiful feeling to see these players again. They are more than just footballers to me. It will be a special moment before and after the game,” Enrique said.
He also pointed out that Messi and his teammates will be tough to play against and that their presence will inspire PSG to give their best. “Messi with the ball is still unique. Busquets hasn’t changed much either. If we can’t take the ball from them, it’ll be tough,” he added.
Enrique praised Suarez’s recent form and also complimented Mascherano as a coach. “We’ve just won the Champions League, but we are still hungry to show we can improve and compete even more,” he said.
He concluded by saying that facing Messi on such a big stage — in a packed stadium — is exciting. “It’s not just Barca fans who love Messi. People all over the world admire him. Playing against a team with Leo Messi makes this match even more special,” Enrique said.
After Botafogo shocked PSG in the group stage and Inter Miami beat Porto 2-1, Luis Enrique told his players to stay focused.
“In tournaments like this, even a small mistake can cost you,” said Luis Enrique. “From my experience with the Spanish national team, I know that you can’t lose focus, you can’t relax, and you must avoid overconfidence. Ninety minutes go by very fast, so it’s important that we start strong and play our own game. That’s our main goal.”
When asked about facing Lionel Messi, Enrique said the only way to defend against him is through teamwork.
“Messi can dribble past any single defender,” Enrique explained. “So, we can’t rely on one player to stop him. We need the whole team to work together — that’s the only way.”
FAQ
Why did Luis Enrique describe the meeting with Lionel Messi as ’emotional’?
Enrique called the meeting emotional because of the deep mutual respect and memories shared between Messi and PSG, especially as this game marks a reunion after Messi’s time in Paris.
When is the PSG vs. Inter Miami match scheduled?
The match is part of the pre-season or international club fixtures. The exact date depends on the tournament or tour schedule, typically announced by the clubs or organizers.
Did Messi and Enrique work together before?
Yes, Luis Enrique and Lionel Messi shared a successful stint at FC Barcelona from 2014 to 2017, winning multiple trophies including the UEFA Champions League.
Is this Messi’s first match against PSG since leaving the club?
Yes, this is expected to be Messi’s first game facing PSG since joining Inter Miami, adding emotional weight to the occasion.
