The recent appointment of Javier Mascherano as the manager of Inter Miami has sent suprisewaves throughout the football world, with the reputation of Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in the sport, hanging in the balance. According to USMNT legend Alexi Lalas, a successful season with Inter Miami is crucial for maintaining Messi’s legacy, as a failure to win an MLS Cup title could tarnish his reputation. Messi’s legacy is already under scrutiny due to his underwhelming performances in the latter stages of his career, and if Mascherano fails to deliver, the blame will inevitably fall on Messi’s shoulders.
Mascherano’s lack of experience as a manager has raised concerns among fans and critics, and the added complexity of having big-name players such as Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Jordi Alba on the team will put even more pressure on Mascherano. If he is unable to guide Inter Miami to greater heights, the blame will likely fall on Messi, who will be seen as having contributed to the club’s failure. It is a daunting task, and one that will be closely monitored by fans and pundits alike.
Meanwhile, another MLS legend, Landon Donovan, has suggested that Messi may have played a role in Tata Martino’s exit from Inter Miami. According to Donovan, Martino stepped down due to pressure from the club’s big names, including Messi, who allegedly threatened to leave the club if Martino failed to deliver an MLS Cup title. While Martino’s departure was attributed to personal reasons at the time, Donovan’s claims have led him to believe that the club’s hierarchy made the decision to replace Martino out of fear of losing Messi.
As the 2024-2025 MLS season unfolds, the spotlight will be firmly fixed on Mascherano and Inter Miami. The manager’s ability to deliver a successful season will be crucial not only for his own reputation but also for the reputation of Messi, whose legacy hangs precariously in the balance. Failure to win an MLS Cup title would not only tarnish Mascherano’s reputation but also have a negative impact on Messi’s, whose career is already under scrutiny.
The stakes are high, and only time will tell whether Mascherano is equipped to handle the pressure of coaching a team with such high-profile players and guiding Inter Miami to success. The reputation of Messi, a football icon, hangs in the balance, and his legacy may be forever changed depending on the outcome of the season. The appointment of Mascherano has sent a ripple effect throughout the football world, and fans and pundits will be keenly watching his every move, knowing that his success or failure will have a significant impact on Messi’s legacy.
