Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano hopes that Lionel Messi's difficult experiences during his time at Paris Saint-Germain will fuel the superstar's motivation ahead of Sunday's Club World Cup clash between Miami and the French giants.
Miami, who unexpectedly qualified from Group A after defeating Porto and drawing against Palmeiras and Al Ahly, now face the formidable task of taking on the reigning European champions.
Messi joined Inter Miami following two challenging seasons in Paris, where he openly admitted to struggling during his spell with PSG.
"It's clear it would work in our favour if Messi is fired up by those memories, because he's the kind of player who, when something is on his mind, gives a little extra," Mascherano told ESPN.
However, the Argentine coach acknowledged that the emotions might not be as intense as they would be if the match were held in Europe rather than in the United States.