Inter Miami head coach Mascherano out of superlatives for Lionel Messi: “I’ve said it a thousand times”

Inter Miami’s tough start to the MLS 2026 season looked like it might continue in Sunday’s derby against Orlando City, who led 2-0 at halftime at Inter&Co Stadium. However, Javier Mascherano’s team produced a stunning second-half comeback, inspired by Lionel Messi, scoring four times to secure a 4-2 victory, their first of the year.

After Mateo Silvetti reduced the deficit with a fine strike minutes into the second half, Messi smashed in a similarly brilliant equalizer before the hour mark. The Argentina captain then set up Telasco Segovia for a decisive third goal with just five minutes to play, before sneaking in a late free kick that Orlando goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau really should have saved.

Mascherano praises Messi

After the game, Herons head coach Javier Mascherano was inevitably asked about his compatriot and left listeners in no doubt about where he ranks Messi among the sport’s all-time greats.

“In addition to being what I have said a thousand times, the best ever to play the sport, he’s a leader whose energy is contagious, but sometimes he needs to be inspired. He needs to see things on the field to start to believe and in the second half he looked much better because when we scored that quick goal we started to find him in spaces he feels comfortable.

“Also, we were giving him more options. And when he has more options to work with in the attack, he clearly has the capability of finding solutions like nobody else.”

Messi kicks off 2026 in style

Messi found a solution three more times in the second half to officially get up and running for 2026. His two goals and an assist now bring him to 122 goal contributions (79 goals and 43 assists) in 90 appearances for Inter Miami in all competitions. Expect him to add a few more before the year is out.

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