Javier Mascherano is leading his former teammates to the Round of 16 in the Club World Cup. After two draws and one victory, Inter Miami will play PSG in the next round, and Mascherano sees qualifying as a statement to other MLS teams.

A tie was enough to send both teams to the knockout round after they entered Monday’s match tied atop the Group A standings with four points apiece.

Which makes sense. Inter Miami is the exception to many MLS rules. It has Lionel Messi, who earns more money than any other MLS club’s entire roster. He has won more career trophies than MLS has played seasons. He has elevated Inter, on and off the field, to this stage, and to levels the league has never known.