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Mascherano’s Outburst: Defending Messi Against MLS Suspension Amid Inter Miami’s Resilient Draw
In the wake of a hard-fought stalemate, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano didn’t hold back on his criticism of the league’s decision to sideline star player Lionel Messi. This controversy highlights ongoing debates about player welfare and league priorities in Major League Soccer, especially as teams like Inter Miami continue to push boundaries with high-profile signings and ambitious goals.
Inter Miami’s Standout Performance Without Key Stars
The team from South Florida managed to secure 42 points from their first 22 games of the season, showcasing remarkable resilience even in the absence of crucial players.
After drawing 0-0 with FC Cincinnati, Javier Mascherano, the head coach of Inter Miami, expressed strong disapproval of the MLS for benching Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba due to their non-participation in the All-Star Game. The seasoned Argentine tactician pointed out inconsistencies in how the league manages such matters, particularly noting comments from Commissioner Don Garber praising Messi’s contributions to the MLS while overlooking the players’ intense schedules.
“I’ve often reminded my squad to concentrate on controllable factors, like I do myself,” Mascherano stated. “My role is to optimize what’s available to me. I’m not here to bash the MLS or its regulations. Though I strongly oppose this ruling, we’ve adjusted accordingly. We undoubtedly earned the victory today, but we’ll press on.”
He further implied that the penalty might not have been imposed if the match had been an away fixture instead of at home.
“I prefer not to comment on others’ choices, but it’s odd how statements flip from one day to the next,” he remarked. “Messi has been involved in a massive amount of games. Everyone’s fine with it when it boosts attendance and revenue, but suddenly, for our home match, he’s out? I wonder if the same call would apply on the road. It’s disappointing.”
Team Effort Shines Through Despite Absences
Even without Messi and Alba, Inter Miami held their ground against Cincinnati, relying on Luis Suárez to spearhead the offense. This result marked a significant step up from their earlier 3-0 defeat away to the same opponents.
Mascherano praised the group’s determination and the opportunities they generated.
“What we needed was that final precision in front of goal. We created around half a dozen solid openings, and their keeper made some key saves,” he explained. “Lately, we’ve been finding the net consistently. Messi’s missing presence was noticeable, yet the overall display was impressive-we can still refine our approach.”
Concerns Over Referee Decisions
The coach also touched on dissatisfaction with the match officials.
“Regarding the refs… I’ll keep it brief,” Mascherano noted. “We’re among the sides generating the highest number of scoring threats, yet after 22 outings, zero penalties our way. That’s worth pondering.”
As of the latest updates in 2024, MLS teams have seen an average of about 3.5 penalties per season, making Inter Miami’s zero a notable outlier that fuels discussions on fairness in officiating.
READ MORE: Navigating MLS Challenges Post Messi’s All-Star Snub
Excitement Builds for New Additions and Upcoming Challenges
Mascherano was thrilled about the recent acquisition of Rodrigo De Paul.
“Bringing in Rodrigo De Paul represents a landmark moment for Inter Miami,” he enthused. “He’s joining us at peak performance levels. This move underscores our commitment to elevating the club and the entire league, despite occasional biases. We’re investing heavily to strengthen the squad and enhance MLS’s appeal. We’re confident he’ll make a big impact, and vice versa.”
Preparing for Leagues Cup Action
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is set to kick off their Leagues Cup campaign in the group stage against Mexican outfit Atlas on Wednesday. This tournament offers a fresh opportunity for the Herons to build momentum, especially with their current tally of 42 points positioning them strongly in the standings.
