Zlatan Ibrahimovic Delivers Brutal Verdict on Messi's Inter Miami Collapse

Zlatan Ibrahimović has criticized Inter Miami while defending Lionel Messi after the club's exit from the FIFA Club World Cup.

After securing an unexpected group stage win against Porto to advance to the elimination rounds, Miami suffered a crushing 4–0 defeat to current European titleholders Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16.

This conclusion to their campaign netted them $21.05 million in prize earnings, which still exceeds what the franchise could generate from winning an MLS championship season.

Ibrahimović hasn't historically appeared as Messi's biggest supporter throughout the years, possibly due to lingering disappointment from his own underwhelming stint at Barcelona during 2009–10 when Pep Guardiola's dominant squad was centered around Messi, Xavi Hernández and Andrés Iniesta.

However, following his former team's comprehensive victory over Miami, the retired Swedish striker placed complete responsibility on Messi's supporting cast, deflecting criticism from the eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient.

"Messi's defeat? No, don't speak about the loss as though it was his responsibility! Messi didn't lose, Inter Miami did! Have you observed this squad?" Ibrahimović commented right after the match, according to Footmercato.

"Messi performs alongside statues, not actual teammates! If he were part of a genuine team, in Paris, in Manchester [City], in any elite club, you would witness the true lion.

"Messi only continues playing because he loves football, because he can still accomplish what 99% of players cannot! But he's surrounded by those who move as though they're carrying sacks of concrete! There are no proper coaches, no stars, not even players who comprehend how to position themselves without possession!

"You wish to criticize Messi? If he partners with [Cristiano] Ronaldo, with [Kylian] Mbappé, with [Erling] Haaland, with Zlatan. Then you may speak! But currently? No, no, no.

"That's not the Messi I recognize, he's a great phantom performing in a carnival! But beware, if you provide him with a proper team, he'll set the stadium ablaze once more! Because simply put. Messi remains Messi, but today? It's not his loss, it's Inter Miami's defeat and football's defeat."