Tireless Henrikh Mkhitaryan – How Italian Media Rated the Armenian's Performance Against River Plate

On June 26, 2025, in Seattle, Inter Milan defeated Argentina’s River Plate 2-0, advancing to the Club World Cup playoffs from first place in their group.

The team’s veteran, 36-year-old Armenian midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan, played the full match and sparked a wave of commentary in the Italian media. Journalists gave mostly positive ratings, praising his experience, physical form, and crucial role in key moments of the game.

Here’s how leading Italian outlets evaluated Mkhitaryan’s performance:

• Eurosport (6): The Armenian showcases his skill with several incisive passes but, like Barella, is overwhelmed at times by River Plate’s intense tempo. In the second half, he provokes Martínez Quarta’s red card.

• Calciomercato (7): Works tirelessly, covers a lot of ground, and grows into the game. Exploits Martínez Quarta’s naïveté to draw the foul that leads to a red card.

• Fcinternews (7): Always involved, positions himself where he’s most needed — whether outside the box or on the flank. Balances speed and quality. Inspires Lautaro, who misses a golden first-half chance. Demonstrates elite experience and remains composed under pressure. His uncharacteristic sprint earns Martínez Quarta’s red card. Continues to find space between lines. A pity about the error after Sučić’s pass — fatigue finally took its toll.

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• Passioneinter (7): Some unforced errors, but his movement is critical in escaping River’s press. Fantastic run that leads to Martínez Quarta’s dismissal. Misses a chance to score a second goal.

• Fcinter1908 (7): Slow first half, but grows steadily. In the second half, he dominates — intercepts for the red card and initiates the attack leading to Esposito’s goal.

• Tuttomercatoweb (7): Starts poorly, but uses his champion instincts to force the sending-off. Age doubters beware: despite missing a chance after dribbling Armani, Mkhitaryan still amazes.

• L’Interista (5.5): Half a point earned solely for drawing the red card. Otherwise, a subpar showing — slows Inter’s tempo and squanders counterattacks and chances. Played the full 90 but didn’t convince.

• Leggo (6.5): Starts quietly, but always supports the team. Nearly scores in the second half, but his shot is blocked. Praised for Martínez Quarta’s red card but misses a chance to double the lead. Keeps up the pace despite age. Tireless.

Inter’s next match will be against Brazil’s Fluminense in the Round of 16 on June 30, in Charlotte.