According to PSG manager and former Barcelona coach Luis Enrique, Lionel Messi still has everything it takes to compete in Europe.
Inter Miami, as expected, couldn’t keep up with PSG. But if anyone knows the full extent of Messi’s abilities, it’s Enrique. The PSG coach firmly believes that the Argentine magician still possesses all the tools needed to shine in European football.
Messi ended his European chapter with PSG in 2023 and moved to Inter Miami, where he continues to mesmerize fans with his brilliance in the United States. In fact, Inter Miami’s qualification for the Round of 16 in the Club World Cup has already served as a glowing showcase for both the club and Major League Soccer.
Although Messi’s side suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to PSG in that match—a result that didn’t come as a surprise against the reigning European champions—Enrique’s admiration for Messi remains as strong as ever.
Having worked closely with Messi during his days at Barcelona, Enrique had the chance to witness the Argentine’s genius up close for years. This match marked their reunion, but this time as opponents.
Ahead of the match, Enrique had already hailed Messi as the greatest of all time, showering him with praise. After the game, when asked whether he would like to coach Messi again in Europe, the PSG boss shared his thoughts.
“That’s a question only he can answer. But we’ve all seen his quality as a player. He still has everything within him. Playing against players like that is always difficult. It wasn’t an easy match for us. I believe we earned this result by playing really well as a team.”
Messi wasn’t the only familiar face for Enrique on the night. Inter Miami also featured Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets—all of whom Enrique coached during his successful stint at Barcelona. The match, in many ways, felt like a reunion—and one that deeply moved the PSG coach.
“It was a special match because I got to see people who are very important in my life—people with whom I’ve shared many successes and also faced setbacks,” Enrique said.
