The recent appointment of Javier Mascherano as Inter Miami’s new head coach has sent suprisewaves of excitement throughout the football world. One of the key factors driving this enthusiasm is the connection between Mascherano and Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar who has been instrumental in guiding the Herons’ success since his arrival at the club last summer. According to Manchester United legend Gary Neville, Messi’s influence on the team’s coaching decisions will continue to play a crucial role in the club’s future successes.
Neville, a keen observer of the football world, believes that Mascherano’s appointment as Inter Miami’s new boss is a shrewd move, given the former Barcelona teammate’s familiarity with Messi. “He (Mascherano) could be a great fit, and he knows Leo Messi, and Leo Messi will obviously want to play for him, which is a big incentive,” Neville said on the It’s Called Soccer podcast. This sentiment is not without merit, as Messi’s influence on the club’s coaching decisions has been well-documented, particularly during his time at Barcelona and Argentina.
The connection between Messi and Mascherano dates back to their time together at Barcelona, where the two formed a formidable partnership on and off the pitch. They won numerous titles together, including five La Liga and two UEFA Champions League titles, and even captured the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. This bond, cultivated over years of playing together, has undoubtedly carried over to their current roles, with Messi serving as a de facto advisor to his former teammate-turned-coach.
Messi’s impact on Inter Miami has been nothing short of remarkable since his arrival last summer. Despite missing a significant amount of time due to injury, particularly after Argentina’s victorious 2024 Copa America campaign, he has contributed heavily to the Herons’ cause. In 25 games across competitions, Messi registered 23 goals and 13 assists, with the majority of those goal contributions coming in the MLS regular season, where the Herons topped the table to claim their first Supporters’ Shield.
The appointment of Mascherano as Inter Miami’s new boss is seen as a seamless transition, given the connection between the two and the influence Messi has on the club. Neville’s comments suggest that Messi’s decision-making role will continue to be significant, even in his absence from the pitch. As Inter Miami looks to build on their success in the coming seasons, the influence of Messi will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the club’s future.
In addition to his impressive goal-scoring record, Messi’s leadership qualities have also been evident during his time at Inter Miami. He has taken on a mentorship role with some of the younger players in the squad, guiding them and providing valuable insight to help them improve their skills. This ability to connect with his teammates and inspire them to perform at their best has been a major factor in Inter Miami’s success, and it is likely that this aspect of his game will continue to play a key role in the club’s future performances.
Mascherano’s appointment as coach also presents an opportunity for Messi to take on a more significant role behind the scenes. As a player who has experienced the highs and lows of professional football, Messi’s input on team matters could prove invaluable to Mascherano and the rest of the coaching staff. His ability to analyze the game and offer strategic advice could help Inter Miami gain a competitive edge over their opponents, and his influence on team morale and motivation could also have a profound impact on the club’s overall performance.
The influence of Lionel Messi on Inter Miami’s shape and future success cannot be overstated. His connection with Mascherano and the rest of the coaching staff, as well as his leadership qualities and ability to inspire his teammates, make him an integral part of the club’s success. As Inter Miami looks to build on their success in the coming seasons, the influence of Messi will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the club’s future, and his presence will continue to be felt on and off the pitch.
