PSG's Dominance Exposes Inter Miami's MLS Roster Limitations in Club World Cup Clash

ATLANTA -- Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) demonstrated their superior skill, defeating Inter Miami CF 4-0 in the Club World Cup round of 16 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. The European champions showcased their manager Luis Enrique's strategic style, outmaneuvering Miami with precise passes and player positioning.

PSG pressured Inter Miami's goalkeeper, Oscar Ustari, early, with João Neves scoring the opening goal from a free kick by Vitinha within the first five minutes.

The offensive prowess of PSG continued throughout the match, with 19 total shots, nine of which were on target. The final score could have been higher if PSG had been more clinical in their finishing. Inter Miami began the match playing defensively, but entered halftime trailing 4-0.

Even Lionel Messi could not overcome the disparity between the MLS side and the European team. While Messi can create scoring opportunities, he could not carry Inter Miami alone against the Champions League titleholders.

Former Inter coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino previously expressed concerns about MLS' roster restrictions, arguing that the limitations hinder teams in international competitions. Javier Mascherano, Martino's replacement, echoed this sentiment, citing the club's limited transfer activity and the league's inflexible system as disadvantages for Inter Miami.

Mascherano noted the lack of depth within the team due to injuries and MLS restrictions. He emphasized that the league's economic constraints prevent them from competing at the desired level.

The MLS roster system often creates unbalanced squads, with significant resources allocated to a few key players while the remaining roster positions are filled by a supporting cast. For Inter Miami, Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets are the primary players, supported by Benjamin Cremaschi, Federico Redondo, Noah Allen, and Marcelo Weigandt.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas acknowledged the necessity for roster flexibility within the league to create deeper squads. He noted that the disparity between the starting lineup and substitutes is a significant factor in international competitions.

An injury to Allen in the 19th minute further weakened Inter's defense. He was replaced by Tomás Avilés, who struggled and scored an own goal in the first half.

The MLS structure exposed the difference between European and American soccer. However, Inter Miami can be proud of their growth as a club in just its sixth season.

Inter Miami qualified for the tournament by winning the 2024 Supporters' Shield. Despite entering the Club World Cup as underdogs, they drew against Al Ahly and Palmeiras and defeated Porto.

Inter Miami provided fans with memorable moments, including Messi's goal against Porto. Even against PSG, they created scoring opportunities, generating excitement among the fans.

Inter Miami returns home after learning valuable lessons from their defeat by the European champions. Alba stated that PSG is currently the best team in the world.

Alba praised Luis Enrique's coaching style, emphasizing the importance of work ethic and commitment to the team.

Cremaschi, Allen, and Ian Fray, who progressed through Inter's academy, gained experience playing against Champions League winners.

Alba believes that the arrival of Messi, Suárez, and Busquets has inspired the younger Miami players. He added that the team's veterans are committed to helping the young players develop and improve.

Inter Miami showed promise during the tournament and must leverage their new knowledge and experience in future competitions to qualify for the next Club World Cup. Despite the loss to PSG, Inter Miami can use the experience to improve.