Zlatan Ibrahimovic has publicly supported Lionel Messi following Inter Miami’s disappointing elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup, where the team fell to Al-Hilal in a tightly contested match. The Swedish forward described his teammates as ‘statues’ for not capitalizing on Messi’s brilliance during the game, a remark that has sparked both admiration and debate among fans.
Ibrahimovic, who signed with Inter Miami in 2023, has consistently praised Messi’s skill and leadership, even as the team struggled to secure a victory. His comments come amid growing pressure on the club’s management to address the team’s performance issues. Despite the loss, Ibrahimovic remains optimistic about Messi’s ability to elevate the squad, noting that the Argentine star’s talent could still lead Inter Miami to future success.
The match against Al-Hilal highlighted the challenges Inter Miami faces in balancing individual brilliance with collective teamwork. While Messi’s performances remain a bright spot, the team’s inability to support him fully has raised questions about their strategic approach. Ibrahimovic’s remarks underscore the high expectations placed on the squad and the need for cohesive play to compete at the highest level in international football.