Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has acknowledged the gulf in class between his side and French champions Paris Saint-Germain ahead of their Club World Cup Round of 16 showdown on Sunday.
Mascherano, who only recently took charge of the MLS outfit, was candid in his assessment, noting that his team heads into the tie as underdogs against a PSG side brimming with talent and momentum.
The Parisians arrive at the tournament as reigning UEFA Champions League winners, having demolished Inter Milan 5-0 in the final.
Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Mascherano said his players are fully aware of the challenge that awaits them.
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“We’re not naive,” he said. “We understand clearly that we are the weaker team going into this game. But we’re going to fight — that’s the essence of football.”
Despite PSG’s intimidating form, Mascherano stressed that no team is invincible.
“There’s no such thing as a perfect side. They can be hurt, and our job is to find the moments and spaces where we can take advantage.”
Inter Miami, led on the pitch by Lionel Messi, will hope to channel the fighting spirit Mascherano spoke of as they look to produce a major upset on the global stage.