Porto’s Tactical Dilemma: Admiring Messi While Planning His Downfall

As a football analyst who’s spent years dissecting games, I couldn’t help but chuckle at Porto manager Anselmi’s press conference ahead of their Club World Cup clash with Inter Miami. Here’s an Argentine coach who openly admits Lionel Messi “gave us joy”—a sentiment every football-loving Argentinian shares—yet in the same breath, he’s plotting how to suffocate his compatriot on the pitch. That’s the beautiful contradiction of football: respect and ruthlessness in equal measure.

The Ball-Control Battle

Anselmi nailed it when he said Miami is “a team that likes possession.” Under Tata Martino, they’ve adopted a patient, buildup-heavy style reminiscent of Barcelona’s glory days (no surprise given Messi’s presence). But Porto isn’t coming to admire the scenery. “The longer we have the ball, the less damage they can do,” Anselmi noted, hinting at a midfield chess match. Stat nerds like me will watch pass-completion rates closely—expect Porto to press high to disrupt Miami’s rhythm.

Defending Against the Inevitable (a.k.a. Messi)

Here’s where it gets spicy. Anselmi joked about needing to “treat Messi well… so he doesn’t get space,” which translates to: double-marking, aggressive tackles, and maybe a prayer or two. Tactically, he emphasized “cutting connections between lines”—a fancy way of saying they’ll clog passing lanes to isolate Messi. My prediction? Porto’s defensive midfielder will have the most sprint distance covered by halftime.

The South American Edge

When asked about the classic Europe vs. Americas rivalry, Anselmi tipped his hat: “South American teams never give up.” This game isn’t just tactics; it’s pride. If Porto’s defense holds, we might witness one of those gloriously gritty performances where tackles fly and goalkeepers turn into heroes. Or, knowing Messi, a moment of magic that defies all planning. Either way, grab your popcorn.

— Your resident tactician with a soft spot for managers who appreciate irony.