Club World Cup: Zlatan Ibrahimović Slams Lionel Messi's Inter Miami after Exit
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic has savagely attacked Lionel Messi's Inter Miami following their exit from the FIFA Club World Cup
- Inter suffered a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 to exit the competition in the USA
- Messi's team was one of two North American teams to reach the last 16, but their lack of quality was evident
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Retired striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has launched a scathing attack on Lionel Messi's Inter Miami following their elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup.
Source: Getty Images
Inter Miami was formed in 2018 and grew rapidly to become one of the most followed teams in MLS, mainly thanks to Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who joined in 2023.
They won their first trophy in 2023 and produced incredible performances to reach the Club World Cup last 16.
However, their campaign came crashing down after a 4-0 defeat to favourites Paris Saint-Germain.
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What happened to Inter Miami at Club World Cup?
Inter Miami won one match and drew three in the group stage. Their victory over Porto made them the first MLS team to defeat a European side in a competitive match.
Messi scored a stunning free-kick during the game, showing the world he could still do it at
In the round of 16, PSG produced a masterclass, thrashing Inter 4-0 in the first half before resting their players for the second period.
Messi produced a decent second-half display, but it wasn't enough.
Source: Getty Images
The defeat showed how large the gap is between European teams and MLS clubs.
“We rose to the occasion. We gave it our all. And that has to serve us well for what's really important to us, which is what's coming next,” Messi told DSports after the loss.
“Anyway, I'm very happy to have been able to play in this Club World Cup, to have been able to compete, even though, obviously, we're in a different league, a different level, and we can't compete."
What next for Inter Miami and Inter Miami after PSG loss?
Messi has a deal with Inter Miami for the rest of the 2025 MLS season. The Argentine veteran had some discomfort during the tournament and will need some time to recover, given his age.
Inter Miami are sixth in the Eastern Conference in the MLS and have played 16 games, four fewer than leaders Philadelphia Union.
Inter are scheduled to play Montreal on Sunday, July 6, looking to extend their unbeaten run.
What did Zlatan Ibrahimovic say about Inter Miami?
Zlatan, who played in the MLS for two seasons, said Messi is still good but strongly criticised his teammates.
"Messi only plays because he loves the game, because he can still do what 99% of players can’t," the Swede told Footmercato. "He’s surrounded by those who run as if they were carrying bags of cement! There are no coaches, no stars, not even players who understand how to move without the ball!"
“Messi plays among statues, not teammates! If he was in a real team, in Paris, in Manchester [City], in any big team, you would have seen the real lion."
Messi plays alongside Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez. However, his former Barcelona teammates are past their prime and appeared to struggle with the intensity.
What does Zlatan Ibrahimovic do now?
Ibrahimovic retired from football in 2023 but returned to AC Milan to take a consultancy job.
He has been in charge of advising the owners of the Rossoneri on what decisions to take. He has commented on the club signings like João Félix while also playing a key role in the appointment of Sergio Conceição, who has since been sacked.
Ibrahimovic was recently at the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania for holidays.
What clubs could Lionel Messi join?
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke listed clubs Lionel Messi could join if he ends up leaving Inter Miami.
Reports emerged that Messi was considering leaving the club to join a competitive league before the 2026 World Cup.
Messi recently said he is not thinking og playing at the World Cup and wants to focus on happiness.
Martin Moses, the head of sports desk, contributed to this article by adding details about Zlatan Ibrahimovic's current whereabouts.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
