Just days before Inter Miami’s historic debut in the Club World Cup, Javier Mascherano, coach of the team led by Lionel Messi, was straightforward in a press conference after their 5-1 win over Columbus Crew. Despite the hype around the stars, the Argentine surprised with a candid statement: “The Club World Cup is going to be very high level. Clearly, a level we don’t have. Let’s be honest, there’s nothing wrong with saying it.”

The Florida team will kick off on June 14 against Al Ahly from Egypt and will also face Porto and Palmeiras in a tough Group A. Being realistic about the challenge, Mascherano pointed out that just being in the tournament is already an achievement: “We have the chance to play it, these guys earned it together with Tata Martino last season. We’re here because of them, and we’ll try to do our best.”

Competing without false promises

Despite his cautious tone, the Argentine coach praised the team’s good form, especially after the last win, and acknowledged the positive effect it has in the locker room: “The result gives us confidence. It shows that if we’re brave and calm, we can match any team, especially in MLS. The Club World Cup is a different level, even Al Ahly, but we’ll compete, try to be ourselves, and that’s what matters.”

Mascherano also stressed how important it is to start off right: “The first game is usually key because it sets the tone for the other two. The level will be way higher than what we’ve faced in Concacaf and MLS. If we’re up for it, we’ll show it starting Saturday the 14th.”