Javier Mascherano, current coach of Inter Miami, was once a teammate of Lionel Messi. Although their relationship is now coach-player, recent media reports suggested a rift between the two Argentine legends. Mascherano has directly dismissed these claims, insisting that the situation was simply a strategic discussion misinterpreted.
Last week, during Inter Miami’s 5–3 defeat to Chicago Fire at Chase Stadium, cameras captured a heated discussion on the pitch between Mascherano and Messi. Following this footage, rumours spread across the football community that a conflict existed between the two.
However, Mascherano clarified on Sunday, 5 October, that there is no problem with Messi. He explained that they were merely discussing team formation and tactics. Mascherano said: “I have no issues with Leo. We were just having a strategic discussion about Chicago’s defence.”
The Miami coach further elaborated that when the opposition went two goals ahead, the team dropped deep, which made it difficult to find space between defensive lines. The discussion on the sidelines was focused on addressing this tactical challenge.
Mascherano firmly stated: “Reports suggesting he (Messi) was challenging me are entirely false. It’s pure rumour.”
Despite the speculation, Inter Miami bounced back in their next match, securing an emphatic 4–1 win against New England. This victory confirmed the team’s play-off spot in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Match Highlights:
| Player | Goals | Assists |
| Jordi Alba | 2 | 0 |
| Tadeo Alende | 2 | 0 |
| Lionel Messi | 0 | 3 |
Although Messi did not score, he assisted three of the team’s four goals, underlining his continued influence on the field.
