Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi could soon reunite at Inter Miami.
Tata Martino has taken the decision to resign from his role as Head Coach at the Chase Stadium for personal reasons, after guiding Inter Miami to the MLS Supporters’ Shield before a shock defeat to Atlanta United in the playoffs.
Xavi has been linked to Inter Miami after leaving his role in charge of Barcelona at the end of last season, a man who knows Messi very well after making 399 appearances alongside the Argentine for the Spanish giants.
However, the aforementioned Mascherano is also an option for Inter Miami, having impressed during his time in control of the Argentina U20 side.
On that note, let’s take a look at what the 40-year-old has previously said about Lionel Messi.
What Javier Mascherano has said about Lionel Messi
Having also represented Argentina with the Inter Miami No.10 as well as Barcelona, Mascherano actually has more appearances alongside Messi than Xavi – sharing a pitch with the South American on 414 occasions before retiring in 2020.
Only Sergio Busquets, Gerard Pique and Andres Iniesta have played more games with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, so the Inter Miami managerial candidate knows him better than most.
Unsurprisingly – given his otherworldly talent – Mascherano has hailed Messi on several occasions.
Speaking to Sky Sports back in May 2015 after a 3-0 win over Bayern Munich, the man from San Lorenzo said: “We have Messi and that is a big advantage.
“It is a player that is impossible to describe. You just have to watch him. We are happy because he helped us to get the result.”
More recently – in August 2023 – Mascherano commented on how Messi seems in Miami, saying: “Messi is the greatest player my eyes have seen.
“Messi looks very happy in Miami, not only enjoying his football, but in life and with his family, and that’s something that might have been difficult in another place.”
Interestingly, Mascherano also spoke about Messi’s defensive qualities during an interview with Shoot For Love, adding: “If Lionel Messi were a defender, he would be one of the best in the world. At Barcelona, we sometimes played 1v1 and it was impossible to dribble past him. Sometimes, attackers know how to defend. Leo defended very well because he was very fast.”
What Inter Miami No.10 Lionel Messi has said about Javier Mascherano
The adoration does not only go one way, as Messi has also hailed Mascherano in the past.
After matching the Argentine’s appearance record for Argentina, Messi wrote on Instagram: “I am proud to have been able to wear the blue and white as many times as my friend Masche (@mascherano14) whom I love very much, and who I have always respected and admired.”
Inter Miami No.9 Luis Suarez also posted a heartwarming message after Mascherano announced his retirement, stating: “Yesterday, one of the most important midfielders of the last decade retired. It was a privilege to have shared a dressing room with you, not only as a great professional, but also as a great human being. Remember all the wonderful moments that football gave you.”
With all of the above taken into account, we see no reason why Messi would not be able to continue thriving at Inter Miami if Mascherano is chosen to replace Martino.