Javier Mascherano was crystal clear at the press conference ahead of the decisive group stage clash against Palmeiras in the Club World Cup. This Monday, the Herons are going after what seemed like an impossible dream just weeks ago: breaking into the top 16 clubs on the planet.

How is Inter Miami doing?

The team owned by Sir David Beckham has 4 points, after a goalless draw with Al Ahly and a thrilling 2-1 win over Porto, featuring a stunning free-kick goal from Lionel Messi. The outlook is positive — it all depends on themselves to make the round of 16.

Javier Mascherano's words

The Argentine coach knows how crucial this match is for the club, both financially and on the pitch. That’s why he made it clear his team won’t sit back or play it safe.

“We’re ready to play a great match and compete. You can’t choose the result, but you can choose how to go after it. We won’t play it safe because that’s not who we are. We’ll take the risks we need to take,” said El Jefecito.

What do they need to advance?

It’s simple for Inter Miami: all scenarios are still on the table.

If they win, they move on as the top team in Group A.
If they draw, they still advance, but as the second-place team due to goal difference with Palmeiras.
If they lose, things get tricky — they’d still have a shot if Porto and Al Ahly draw, or if either wins by a narrow margin and Miami avoids a heavy defeat to Palmeiras.

The Herons are going all-in. They know everything’s on the line in these 90 minutes — and by the end of the day, we’ll know if Inter Miami can truly stand with the giants of world football, or if this will just be another footnote in the club’s history books.