This season, Enrique led PSG to a clean sweep of trophies, winning Ligue 1, the French Cup, the French Super Cup, and the Champions League. During his time at Barcelona, the Spanish coach won 9 titles, including the 2014-2015 treble consisting of La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League.

Luis Suarez (left) formed a famous trio with Lionel Messi (center) and Neymar at Barcelona under Luis Enrique. Photo: FCB

Suarez was a key striker for Barcelona under Enrique's system. The Uruguayan forward will reunite with his former coach when Inter Miami faces PSG in the round of 16 of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup on 29/6.

"Coaches grow and improve over time," Suarez said after the draw with Palmeiras. "I don't know what Luis Enrique does daily, but he has certainly developed a lot. He studies players very carefully."

The Uruguayan striker considers Enrique one of the most influential coaches in his career, teaching him how to move, position himself, and play with fewer touches. "I had to occupy spaces in the box, apply pressure, all things I wasn't very used to," he said. "I respect and admire what he did for us."

Luis Suarez celebrates a goal during Inter Miami's 2-2 draw with Palmeiras in the third match of Group A of the FIFA Club World Cup at Miami Gardens, Florida, USA on 23/6. Photo: Reuters

In the final Group A match at Hard Rock Stadium, Inter Miami led 2-0 until the 80th minute thanks to goals from Tadeo Allende and Suarez. A win would have secured the top spot in the group and a match against the second-placed team in Group B, Botafogo, in the round of 16.

However, their energy levels dropped, allowing Palmeiras to score two goals in the final 10 minutes. The 2-2 draw means Javier Mascherano's team will face the Group B winners and Champions League champions, PSG.

"We were so close to victory," Suarez lamented. "For a moment, we thought we would face Botafogo. But that's football; you lose focus for 15, 30 seconds, and you pay the price."

Despite the setback, Inter Miami finished the group stage unbeaten, drawing 0-0 with Al Ahly, defeating Porto 2-1, and then drawing with Palmeiras. Jordi Alba expressed pride in the team's performance, exceeding expectations and playing better than all three group stage opponents. The Spanish defender also expressed disappointment at not securing the top spot, attributing it to the team's decline in physical condition.

Alba also expressed his admiration for PSG and praised Enrique, his former coach at Barcelona, as the best coach in the world. However, the 36-year-old emphasized, "When the match starts, we will play to win. This is football, and we'll see how far Inter Miami can go."

Compiled by Hong Duy