Mascherano describes Messi as 'the soul of the team' after Champions Cup rescue act
Two goals from the outstanding Lionel Messi propelled Inter Miami to a comeback win over Los Angeles FC and into the Champions Cup semis.
Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano described Lionel Messi as the "soul" of his team after he instigated Wednesday's CONCACAF Champions Cup turnaround against Los Angeles FC.
Just nine minutes into the second leg of their quarter-final tie, Miami found themselves trailing 2-0 on aggregate. Then up stepped Messi, whose brace inspired a stunning comeback victory.
Messi scored with a wonderful finish from the edge of the box, then, after Federico Redondo levelled the tie at 2-2, the Barcelona icon netted the winner from the penalty spot.
Mascherano, a former team-mate of Messi, had nothing but praise for his star man post-match, saying: "He's the soul of this team. There's no doubt."
Mascherano spoke with honesty and humility about the unique dynamic of coaching someone he shared the pitch with for two decades, for both Barcelona and Argentina.
"Sometimes I get uncomfortable talking about him because he’s been my team-mate for over 20 years, and now I have to support him in this new role as a coach," he said.
"He's done it all in the game. He's the greatest in history, and he still sets the example of how to compete, showing the way. He is always going to want to win, and he'll do the impossible to win."
After another standout performance in Fort Lauderdale, the Argentina superstar has now contributed to at least one goal in 18 of his last 19 home games with Miami since the start of 2024.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner shows no signs of slowing down, topping the chance creation metrics with seven - four more than anyone else on the field on Wednesday.
Macherano did attribute some of his team's success to good fortune, saying: "The reality is that for a comeback like this, luck often has to be on your side - and it was."
Mascherano's praise wasn't reserved solely for Messi, as he added: 'I want to thank the players for their effort.
"Despite the difficulties, conceding a goal within the first five minutes and facing a steep challenge in the tie, they believed. They believed they could turn it around, and they proved it. This victory is theirs, and I’m grateful to them.'"
Miami will now face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the semi-finals of the Champions Cup, competing for a spot in the final against Tigres or Cruz Azul.