Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has once again praised the impact of Lionel Messi, labelling the Argentine superstar ‘one of a kind’ as he approaches a new milestone in his career.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will be looking to score his 900th career goal when the MLS Cup champions face DC United in a league clash on Saturday.
Messi currently has 898 goals and could join long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo as the only two players with 900 goals and more in their senior career.
Mascherano, who also played alongside Messi during his playing days, before joining Inter Miami as coach ahead of last season, was full of praise for his countryman.
“[I am] a privileged spectator, nothing more, nothing less,” Mascherano said. “I haven’t contributed much to him scoring goals, neither with assists nor now as a coach.”
Messi scored a larger amount of his goals at Barcelona, where he netted 672 times, before adding 32 at Paris Saint-Germain.
He also has 115 for the Argentina national team, including seven at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, leading La Albiceleste to another triumph.
Meanwhile, he already has 79 for Inter Miami, including 29 in the regular season last year as they won their first MLS Cup title, while he claimed the MVP award for a second consecutive season.
“I’ve been lucky enough to see most, or many, of the goals he’s scored, much closer than you all, and that’s a privilege. The number we’re talking about [900] is insane, and that’s why Leo is a one of a kind”, Mascherano added.
Inter Miami have won one and suffered one defeat from two games so far this season and have another chance to claim bragging rights in their league match against DC United on Saturday.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
