As Inter Miami prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s Club World Cup knockout clash, attention turns to their predicted starting XI, with head coach Javier Mascherano weighing a key decision over Jordi Alba’s return to the lineup.
Inter Miami, will face European champions PSG in Atlanta. Softfootball understands that this clash will see Lionel Messi reunite with former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, while also lining up alongside his old Barça teammates Luis Suárez and Sergio Busquets.
However, Alba’s involvement remains uncertain. The veteran full-back has been struggling with fitness, and his absence has seen Greek U21 international Noah Allen fill in at left-back.
Should Alba be deemed unfit to start, Allen is expected to retain his spot in the backline, which will likely also include Tomas Aviles, Maximiliano Falcon, and Marcelo Weigandt.
Oscar Ustari will remain between the posts for Miami. The 38-year-old Argentine goalkeeper has been the undisputed first-choice since Drake Callender was sidelined through injury.
In midfield, Mascherano may pair Sergio Busquets with either Federico Redondo or Benjamin Cremaschi. On the wings, Tadeo Allende—who scored in the previous round against Palmeiras—is tipped to start on the right, with Venezuelan international Telasco Segovia on the left.
Up front, the ever-dangerous duo of Messi and Suarez will lead the line as Miami aim to upset the European giants.
Earlier, Softfootball reported that Lionel Messi is set for emotional clash against his former club Paris Saint-Germain as Inter Miami prepare for a blockbuster round-of-16 tie at the FIFA Club World Cup.
As the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner gears up to face familiar faces in PSG colours, the stage is set for one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament — a defining test in Messi’s Inter Miami chapter.