Controversial resolution by Javier Mascherano concerning Lionel Messi in his debut as Inter Miami coach

Inter Miami kicked off 2025, a 12 months filled with home (MLS and US Open Cup) and worldwide competitions (Leagues Cup, Concacaf Champions Cup, and FIFA Membership World Cup), with a pleasant towards Membership América of Mexico at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium.

The match marked the official debut of Javier Mascherano as Inter Miami’s head coach, following his departure from his function with Argentina’s youth nationwide groups. Mascherano stepped in to exchange Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who stepped down after the tip of the 2024 MLS season.

Whereas the end result was secondary—the main focus was on regaining match health—Mascherano started his tenure on a excessive be aware. Inter Miami secured a victory over Membership América following a 2-2 draw, prevailing in a penalty shootout (3-2).

Nonetheless, Mascherano’s resolution to substitute Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez within the twentieth minute of the second half, whereas Inter Miami trailed 2-1, sparked vital debate. Whereas doubtless a precautionary measure to guard each gamers’ health, the transfer drew sharp criticism on social media from Inter Miami followers and Messi supporters. The following late equalizer from Tomás Avilés and the penalty shootout victory considerably eased the rapid backlash.

Mascherano’s beginning XI and challenges forward

Mascherano’s Inter Miami group for the pleasant towards Membership América lined up as follows: Rocco Ríos; Marcelo Weigandt, Tomás Avilés, Noah Allen, Jordi Alba; Robert Taylor, Sergio Busquets, Federico Redondo, Fafà Picault; Lionel Messi, and Luis Suárez.

Following the Membership América match, Inter Miami is about to play exhibition matches towards Universitario de Perú (January twenty ninth), Sporting San Miguelito of Panama (February 2nd), and Olimpia of Honduras (February eighth).

Mascherano faces vital challenges in his new function. Balancing participant health with aggressive calls for throughout numerous competitions will likely be essential. The expectations surrounding Messi’s presence and efficiency are undoubtedly monumental, placing immense stress on the teaching workers.

Constructing group cohesion and implementing a profitable tactical system will likely be paramount to reaching a excessive stage of success. His early selections—notably the substitution of Messi and Suárez—already spotlight that the highway forward will likely be removed from simple, with each resolution subjected to intense scrutiny. His teaching type will doubtless bear a take a look at below the appreciable expectations positioned upon the Argentinian supervisor.

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