Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Lionel Messi ‘is playing alongside statues’ in Miami

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has always been a vocal figure in the world of football, and his recent comments following Inter Miami’s elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup have stirred quite a reaction. Ibrahimovic, who shares a history with Lionel Messi from their time together at Barcelona, came to the defense of the Argentine superstar after Miami’s heavy 4-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

### The Match: A Disappointing Exit

Inter Miami faced PSG in the knockout stages of the Club World Cup, a match that many anticipated would showcase Messi’s talents against one of his former clubs. However, what unfolded was a humbling experience for Miami, as they conceded four goals in the first half alone. The performance raised eyebrows, with critics questioning the team’s ability to compete at such a high level.

### Zlatan’s Defense of Messi

Ibrahimovic didn’t hold back in his assessment of the match. He emphasized that it was not Messi who lost the game; rather, it was the entire Inter Miami squad that fell short. “It wasn’t Leo Messi who lost; it was Inter Miami,” he pointed out. His comments highlight a crucial observation: the pressures and environment Messi was in did not allow him to shine.

### “Statues” as Teammates

One of the most striking remarks from Ibrahimovic was his description of Messi’s teammates as “statues.” He argued that they appeared immobile and lacking the dynamism necessary to support a player of Messi’s caliber. “Messi plays with statues, not teammates,” Ibrahimovic stated, underscoring his belief that the squad was insufficiently trained and lacked the ability to move effectively on the pitch.

### A Lack of Talent

Ibrahimovic also lamented the overall talent available to Messi at Inter Miami. He claimed that this version of Messi was not the player fans have come to know and love. “This isn’t the Messi I know,” he said, implying that the superstar’s abilities are being stifled by the lack of adequate support. Ibrahimovic expressed that, in a stronger team setting, Messi would showcase his true prowess and shine brightly as he has throughout his illustrious career.

### A Technical Rebuttal

Ibrahimovic’s critique didn’t stop at the players; he also touched on the coaching aspect. He mentioned that Miami lacks coaches who can strategize effectively and help players learn essential skills, like moving off the ball. He stated, “There are no coaches, no stars, not even players who understand how to move without the ball.” This assertion reinforces the idea that without foundational football education, even the greatest players can struggle to find their rhythm.

### Messi’s Positive Outlook

In spite of the criticism and the disappointing outcome, Messi maintained an optimistic outlook. He reflected on the positives of Miami’s tournament journey, emphasizing that they had made history by becoming the first MLS team to beat a European club in official competition. The Argentine legend noted, “We tried to do the best possible and we left a good image at the Club World Cup level,” highlighting the progress made despite the setback against PSG.

### The Future of Miami and Messi

As Messi looks ahead, his experience at Inter Miami raises questions about the club’s direction and the team’s ability to build around a player of his caliber. While the defeat was disheartening, it’s a stepping stone for both the club and Messi in acclimating to a competitive stage on an international level.

### The Enduring Legacy

Ultimately, Ibrahimovic’s comments bring to light the challenges that come with being an iconic player surrounded by a less experienced squad. Messi’s undeniable talent and love for the game remain intact, yet the current environment calls into question how effectively that talent can be utilized. Football fans will be eager to see how both Messi and Inter Miami respond moving forward, especially as Messi aims to reclaim his status as the transformative player he has always been.