Mascherano Calls It a Blessing to Coach Messi at Inter Miami – Can the Duo Lead Another MLS Title Run?
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Mascherano Calls It a Blessing to Coach Messi at Inter Miami – Can the Duo Lead Another MLS Title Run? |
Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi are back together—but this time, it’s not on the pitch as teammates. It’s on the sidelines of Inter Miami, where Mascherano just took over as head coach. And honestly? He couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Messi again.
After Inter Miami’s 2-0 win over Nashville SC, where Messi scored yet another brace, Mascherano didn’t hold back. “It’s insane what Leo keeps doing,” he said. “He’s still breaking records like it’s nothing. I’ve said it a million times—he’s the heart and soul of this team. He’s our leader, our guide. I feel super lucky to be alongside him at this point in his career.”
Messi Is Still That Guy
Let’s be real—Lionel Messi is aging like fine wine. The man’s on fire this season. He’s scored 2 goals in five straight games and has already racked up 16 goals and 7 assists in the league so far. He’s currently tied with Sam Surridge at the top of the MLS scoring charts.
Even crazier? He’s netted 11 goals in his last 6 games, matching Josef Martinez’s all-time MLS record for most goals in a six-game stretch (set back in 2018). No wonder people are already buzzing about Messi potentially grabbing the Landon Donovan MLS MVP for the second year in a row.
Next Challenge: FC Cincinnati
Inter Miami is on a hot streak—five wins in a row and sitting 5th in the Eastern Conference with three games in hand. Up next? A big test against second-place FC Cincinnati.
Players to Keep an Eye On:
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FC Cincinnati – Evander
This guy’s been clutch. With 13 goals, including 5 opening goals, he’s Cincinnati’s go-to attacker. He’s scored in four games straight and is only the third player in club history to do that. -
Inter Miami – Lionel Messi
Funny enough, Messi hasn’t scored against Cincinnati in two games. But he has assisted twice. Considering he’s already scored against 12 other MLS teams he’s faced at least three times, don’t be shocked if he finally bags one (or two) this time.
Match Prediction: Could End in a Draw
Let’s talk numbers. Miami has only lost one of their last 14 away matches in the regular season (8 wins, 5 draws), and in the 19 away games Messi has played, they’ve only been beaten twice.
Meanwhile, Cincinnati has started slipping at home. After an 11-game unbeaten run at TQL Stadium, they’ve now lost two of their last three there—including a 4-2 defeat to the Columbus Crew. They’ve also let in multiple goals in 3 of their last 4 home games, which is... not great.
Last time these two met, Inter Miami came out on top with a 2-0 win (August 2024). But they haven’t won in Cincinnati since 2021. Could this be the game they break that streak?
OPTA Win Probability:
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FC Cincinnati – 38.9%
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Draw – 26.5%
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Inter Miami – 34.6%