Lionel Messi transformed MLS and Inter Miami last year after making the move to the United States from Europe.
Messi rejected Saudi Arabia to join the Herons with the Argentine international since transforming the league and Inter Miami in ways few would have predicted, with the Florida franchise set to compete in next year’s FIFA Club World Cup.
With Javier Mascherano now at the helm for Inter Miami, the Supporters’ Shield winners are set for a big 2025 with Messi potentially ready to enjoy his best year yet in the United States since his blockbuster transfer in 2023.
And Mascherano has shared how impressed he has been with Messi in growing MLS.
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Messi lauded after ‘growing’ MLS and Inter Miami since joining
Speaking to the press, the new Inter Miami manager was full of praise for Messi and how the forward has taken MLS to new heights, with the league enjoying a record-breaking year in terms of attendance and global viewership.
Although Messi and Inter Miami crashed out of the play-offs at the first hurdle, 2024 will go down as a successful year for the Herons after setting a regular-season points record and winning the Supporters’ Shield in style.
And Mascherano is impressed with what Messi has done for the league, with the Argentine coach saying about the Inter Miami no. 10: “MLS is a league that I know because I was very close to playing there, although few knew about it.
“It is also a league that I think is growing, and Leo is making that happen. As a coach I was hoping to be involved in the day-to-day of a club and develop a game model. But, MLS is a different league, and we will have to get used to it.”
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Mascherano can push MLS to new heights alongside Messi
Inter Miami’s new manager already has some bold plans for what he wants to do this off-season, with Mascherano believed to be interested in signing Angel Di Maria with the Herons also linked with a move for Mohamed Salah.
And with Messi having a pre-season based in the United States as well as summer of no international soccer, Mascherano has the tools needed to take Inter Miami to new heights with the Argentine leading the attack.
Indeed, Andres Iniesta recently said Messi is loving life at Inter Miami, and the veteran forward will want to do all he can under his former teammate to ensure an even more successful year for the Herons in MLS and beyond.
