Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has spoken out about Lionel Messi’s situation at the club, reassuring fans that the star forward is content and enjoying life in the U.S. Even with Messi’s current contract expiring soon, Mascherano remains confident that his former Barcelona teammate is in the right place, both professionally and personally. However, Mascherano acknowledged that Messi’s decision on his future remains a personal one.
Inter Miami’s head coach, Javier Mascherano, has weighed in on the ongoing speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s future at the club, offering some much-needed clarity to fans. Messi’s current deal with the club is set to expire at the end of 2024, and while talks over a contract extension continue, Mascherano remains confident that Messi is content with his decision to join MLS.
The two former Barcelona teammates have forged a strong working relationship at Inter Miami, and Mascherano has praised Messi’s current happiness in the U.S. “I see him as very happy,” said Mascherano. “I think he’s found the ideal place to relax and enjoy many things he couldn’t experience elsewhere. Ultimately, he’ll decide, but today I see him as truly calm and happy.”
This sentiment comes amid a period of uncertainty for Messi, with numerous reports suggesting that negotiations for a new contract have stalled. Despite this, Mascherano was quick to downplay any concerns, adding that Messi appears to be in a good place both on and off the pitch. “I see him as very relaxed and enjoying his time here,” the coach reiterated.
One of the major talking points surrounding Messi’s situation has been his availability for Inter Miami’s games. The forward’s importance to the team is undeniable, yet Mascherano was careful to point out how the squad has stepped up in Messi’s absence. “Even with the best squad in the world, if you give Leo a rest, his absence is noticeable,” Mascherano acknowledged. “But this year we’ve played several games without him, and everyone has stepped up to compensate for his absence.”
The absence of Messi has forced other players to shoulder the responsibility in his stead, and Mascherano has been impressed by how the team has responded in those situations. While Messi’s influence remains crucial, the team’s collective performances have proven that they are more than capable of handling challenges without their star player.
Mascherano went on to praise Messi’s ability to manage his own body, something that has been crucial in maintaining his high level of performance at 37 years old. “Messi knows how to manage himself like few others,” he said. “I don’t want to promise anything; we’ll decide day by day based on how he feels.”
While Messi’s future remains a subject of much speculation, Mascherano’s words suggest that the forward is focused on enjoying his time with Inter Miami for now, with his next move likely to depend on how he feels as the year progresses.
The pressure for a decision may eventually mount as the expiration of Messi’s current contract draws nearer, but for the moment, Mascherano and the rest of Inter Miami are simply enjoying Messi’s presence, both on and off the field.
As the team prepares for their upcoming clash with New England Revolution, Messi’s future remains an open question, but for now, his happiness in Miami is clear. The decision on his next contract will likely come when the time feels right for Messi, who has always managed to keep his cards close to his chest in his illustrious career.
