MLS
Javier Mascherano reveals extent of Lionel Messi influence in Inter Miami coaching decision
In an interview with AS USA Latino, the new Herons coach has described having the chance to coach former Barcelona teammate Messi as a “privilege”.
The Javier Mascherano era has officially begun at Inter Miami, with the backing of co-owners Jorge and José Mas, as well as David Beckham. They have placed their trust in the former coach of Argentina’s U-20 national team, seeing him as the ideal person to continue the work started by the now departed Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino.
On Tuesday, Mascherano was officially uneviled as the new head coach of Inter Miami. Following the press conference, where he was joined by Jorge Mas, the former Argentine footballer gave an exclusive interview to AS USA Latino. He shared his initial thoughts on this new challenge in his career and the main reason he chose to lead ‘The Herons.’
Mascherano’s reasons for coaching Inter Miami
One of the primary reasons for joining Inter Miami was the presence of Lionel Messi on the team, which Mascherano described as a ‘privilege.’ He expressed his excitement about coaching someone who was not only his teammate on the Argentine national team and at Barcelona but is also considered one of the greatest footballers in history. Additionally, the former midfielder and defender will reunite with other familiar faces like Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.
“The privilege of coaching Messi. Obviously, players of the caliber of my former teammates like Luis, ‘Busi,’ Jordi, and others I’ve had the chance to know, especially the Argentines, and some young academy players like Noah Allen and David Ruiz, who have potential. Having worked with youth players for a long time, I enjoy continuing to have this opportunity,” Mascherano said about his decision to join Inter Miami.
Few changes expected after Herons’ Supporters' Shield victory
Mascherano, who will lead Las Garzas into the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, highlighted the excellent work done by Inter Miami under Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, which will serve as the foundation for establishing his own philosophy at the club. He aims to give the team a new identity but believes that not much needs to change, as they are on the right path and have a solid foundation for success.
“The team has done very well. Unfortunately, during the playoffs, they had the misfortune of two bad games and were eliminated. We need to analyze the whole picture, not just the final snapshot. From there, with my imprint, my ideas, what I think, what I like, I might change a few things in the style of play, but not much. When you have good players, it makes things easier. We have a squad with very good players, a squad that I like a lot,” Mascherano concluded.
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Original article written by Fernando Petrocelli, Diego Gorostieta and Marco Jiménez, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by Roddy Cons.