Mascherano’s team reached 41 points, climbing to fifth place in the Eastern Conference
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ToggleAfter Lionel Messi had two goals and two assists to lead Inter Miami to a commanding 5-1 win over the New York Red Bulls, manager Javier Mascherano said the forward is in rare company and pointed to the fan appreciation shown in Harrison, N.J., for the Argentine.
“I was with him for eight years at Barcelona, with the national team, at airports, hotels – especially in places he hasn’t visited often, people go crazy," Mascherano explained. "He generates all of this. I think the admiration is total, but it’s not just because of the kind of footballer he is. I think he’s a role model, someone who transcends the sport. Any sports fan feels admiration for athletes like Messi, Michael Jordan, Rafael Nadal — people who have made history in their sport. We are very privileged to witness this up close.”
The manager was relieved after the victory saying the upcoming full week without matches will be key for players to recharge after a demanding stretch. Mascherano is well aware of the marathon run of games ahead following their Club World Cup participation.
“This was a difficult period with all the travel and little rest – the match against Cincinnati reflected our fatigue. Now we have a long week, and we’ll use it to let the guys who are most tired get some rest,” the coach said.
He admitted there are defensive issues that still concern him:
“If you want to be competitive, you have to be very solid defensively. We've been okay, but we need to improve.”
The Herons thrashed the New York side on the road thanks to braces from Messi and Telasco Segovia, along with a goal from Jordi Alba – securing their sixth win in their last seven MLS matches.
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The Venezuelan, who scored twice on the night, expressed his excitement: “I’m happy for the goals – even more for the win. We want to win everything: MLS, Leagues Cup. We’ll fight for both. We have the greatest player in history on our side, and with him, anything is possible.”
Messi extended his tally to 18 goals this season and has now contributed to 25 of Inter Miami’s goals. He also recorded his sixth brace in the team’s last seven games.
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The Herons will take a short break due to the MLS All-Star Game, especially after a stretch of midweek matches following their Club World Cup participation. The not-so-great news is that Messi has been called up for the All-Star event, meaning he won’t get the rest Mascherano would have preferred. Even so, Inter Miami will return to action next Saturday at home against FC Cincinnati — the team that defeated them 3-0 last Wednesday.