Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano was full of praise for Lionel Messi after the mercurial Argentine led a dramatic turnaround against Los Angeles FC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday.
Facing a 2-0 deficit on aggregate after a 1-0 defeat in the first leg and going one goal down just nine minutes into the second leg of their quarter-final clash, Inter Miami looked destined for elimination until Messi’s inspirational intervention.
The Barcelona and Argentina great sparked the comeback with a superb strike from the edge of the box. After Federico Redondo brought the tie level at 2-2, Messi sealed the win with a coolly converted penalty, completing a remarkable fightback.
Miami boss Mascherano, who played alongside Messi for two decades with both the Argentina national team and Barcelona, was incredibly pleased with the performance of his former teammate, hailing him as the “soul” of the team.
“He’s the soul of this team. There’s no doubt,” he said.
“Sometimes I get uncomfortable talking about him because he’s been my team-mate for over 20 years, and now I have to support him in this new role as a coach.
“He’s done it all in the game. He’s the greatest in history, and he still sets the example of how to compete, showing the way. He is always going to want to win, and he’ll do the impossible to win.”
Mascherano’s praise extended beyond Messi, as he also commended the entire team for their determination and resilience.
“I want to thank the players for their effort. Despite the difficulties, conceding a goal within the first five minutes and facing a steep challenge in the tie, they believed. They believed they could turn it around, and they proved it. This victory is theirs, and I’m grateful to them.”
Next up for Inter Miami in the CONCACAF Champions Cup is a semi-finals clash against Vancouver Whitecaps for a place in the final.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
