Javier Mascherano 'proud' of Lionel Messi & Co despite PSG 'bloodbath' as Inter Miami boss claims MLS side 'accomplished goals' at Club World Cup

Despite the goal fest for PSG in Atlanta, Mascherano claimed that the David Beckham-owned side accomplished their target for the competition. Inter Miami became the first American club to reach the knockout stage of the Club World Cup after they finished second in Group A behind Palmeiras, with a Lionel Messi-inspired win over Porto the high point of their campaign.

Speaking to reporters, the Argentine manager said: "My take on the tournament is we have accomplished the goals we set for ourselves. It was crystal clear that when we are competing, we would be able to do so to a certain level. It’s right in your face, we see it clearly. We have met the expectations set on us. Regrettably, when they scored a goal so early, it was difficult… it was just too easy the way it was scored. The first half was kind of like a bloodbath, but the second half was a bit slower, and we showed everything we are doing in MLS. I reiterate I am proud of what my team has accomplished. Going forward, we will focus on the future and leverage our entire experience for domestic competitions."

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Mascherano added: "PSG are full and fraught with so many tools. You cannot cover the entire field. I wanted to be on the pitch with my players, supporting them. The message at half-time was that we have to live with this.

"It’s difficult when it’s 4-0 and you know you don’t have much chance, you don’t expect to change the result, but it was important to show a good image to people. The players did really well in the second half; they tried to do their best. This is the way we want to play."

Lionel Messi and Co will have to dust themselves down quickly for a return to MLS action on July 6, as they take on CF Montreal.