“Yeah, his impact has been huge,” Bradley said when asked by Bolavip about Mascherano’s impact in MLS during his short time in the league.

“Obviously, he did an incredible job with Miami, he was able to lead them to their first MLS Cup. I think that part is there for everybody to see, and nobody can ever take that away from him.“

Bradley wishes Mascherano ‘all the best’

Bradley’s comments came during a media session ahead of New York’s US Open Cup fixture against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET). Shortly before Bradley addressed the press, Inter Miami announced Mascherano will be replaced by Guillermo Hoyos, at least on an interim basis.

“Obviously without being there, on the inside of things, it’s impossible to know, it’s impossible to understand the situation,” Bradley added. “You know, in the last little bit, I saw things about personal reasons, and so obviously, again, without being on the inside, you never know exactly what the situation is.

“As a colleague, I wish him all the best for his future, and I know that with his qualities as a coach, with his experience in football, with his personality, he’s gonna continue to do great things in the game, and so I wish him all the best.“

Bradley revealed having one of Mascherano’s jerseys

Bradley had already shown his respect for Mascherano during the weekend. During his postgame press conference after Saturday’s 2-2 draw in Miami, the New York Red Bulls HC remembered the day he exchanged jerseys with the Argentine legend after an international game.

“I have a huge amount of respect for Javier, I always did as a player and now as a coach. He won’t remember this, but one of the proudest moments in my career was after a game with Argentina, he sent somebody into the locker room because he wanted to exchange jerseys with me. So I have one of his Argentina jerseys at home,” Bradley revealed.

“I was a never a guy who went out of my way to trade jerseys but when somebody like Javier Mascherano went out of his way to ask for mine, then you can be sure that I’ve kept his.

“He was an incredible player, had a huge career at some top, top clubs, and now as a young coach has done a really good job, obviously, led Miami to the MLS Cup last year. For me, the experience of coaching against other really good managers is exciting.“

Mascherano’s praise for Bradley

Before shocking the MLS community on Tuesday, Mascherano also heaped praise on Bradley during Saturday’s pre-game interview with Apple TV.

“I faced him in international games many times, he was a very good player and a very important player for the USA,” Mascherano said of Bradley before facing the New York Red Bulls, in what turned out to be his last game at the helm of Inter Miami.

“He did really well last season, winning the MLS Next Pro championship. This season you can see his ideas about football, and for me, he will be a really successful coach in this league.”

Hoyos was once a professional football player, and as a coach he was in charge of the Bolivia national team. He also managed in both Cyprus and Greece in the European continent.

More changes are taking place at the Herons in addition to the coach’s departure. As announced through the official Inter Miami website, Chief Soccer Officer Alberto Marrero assumes, as of today, the duties of sporting director.

Guillermo Hoyos’ experience

Born on June 9, 1963, in Argentina, the 62-year-old tactician boasts a diverse coaching career that spans over two decades and multiple continents. After a playing career with clubs like Boca Juniors, Hoyos gained international recognition for his work at FC Barcelona’s La Masia, where he famously mentored a young Lionel Messi.

His managerial journey has since taken him through numerous leagues, leading teams such as Bolivar—where he won two league titles—and Universidad de Chile. Having most recently served as the Director of Youth Development for Inter Miami, Hoyos now steps into the head coaching role, combining his extensive global experience with an understanding of the club’s internal structure.

Don’t lose focus on the MLS

Javier Mascherano’s decision to leave his position at Inter Miami surprised both insiders and outsiders, with Bolavip asking New York Red Bulls head coach Michael Bradley about his reaction to Mascherano’s decision days after their 2-2 draw in Miami. In fact, the Herons’ performance in the MLS at the moment keeps them among the contenders in their conference.

After seven rounds of the tournament, Lionel Messi’s team has collected a total of 12 points, the result of 3 wins, 3 draws, and just one defeat. The Herons are in third place in the Eastern Conference, behind Nashville SC and Chicago Fire.

What’s next for Inter Miami?

With these abrupt changes behind them, these are the upcoming matches that Messi and Inter Miami have ahead in order to keep moving forward in the championship:

• April 18th, at Colorado Rapids
• April 22nd, at Real Salt Lake
• April 25th, vs New England Revolution
• May 2nd, vs Orlando City
• May 7th, at Toronto

“I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF,” Mascherano said in an official Inter Miami statement. “First and foremost, I would like to thank the Club… but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments.”

Mascherano leaves after guiding Messi and Inter Miami through a record-breaking 2025 season, with the club moving quickly to name Guillermo Hoyos as his replacement.

During his tenure, the team secured two major trophies, including its first-ever MLS Cup, while also winning the Eastern Conference. Offensively, Inter Miami set a new league record with 101 total goals across all competitions, underscoring the impact of his leadership.

Saturday’s 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls proved to be his last game in charge of the Herons. Bolavip got to ask NYRB head coach Michael Bradley about Mascherano’s exit, with the former USMNT star wishing his colleague all the best.

Mascherano exits after historic success with Inter Miami

Under Mascherano, Inter Miami not only dominated domestically but also made history on the international stage. The club became the first MLS team to reach the knockout rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup and the first from Concacaf to defeat a European opponent in an official competition.

Regionally, the team reached the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup and advanced to another Leagues Cup final, reinforcing its growing presence beyond MLS. His tenure quickly established Inter Miami as a competitive force both in the United States and internationally.

“I will always carry with me the memory of our first star… I have no doubt that the Club will continue to achieve success in the future,” Mascherano added.

Mascherano’s exit marks the end of a defining era, but also the beginning of a new phase for Inter Miami, one that will look to build on the foundation established during his tenure.

[Watch Inter Miami vs New York RB in the USA on Apple TV]

Inter Miami head into this matchup aiming to rebound from a frustrating draw against Austin FC, a result that leaves them fourth in the standings with 11 points but still just two behind league leaders Nashville SC, keeping Lionel Messi and company firmly in the early-season race.

Awaiting them is a dangerous New York Red Bulls side sitting seventh with 10 points and eager to climb the table, making this clash a pivotal opportunity for both teams as they look to gain momentum and close the gap at the top.

When will the Inter Miami vs New York RB match be played?

Inter Miami will play against New York RB this Saturday, April 11, in a 2026 MLS regular season game, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET).

Inter Miami vs New York RB: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs New York RB in the USA

Tune Apple TV to catch the 2026 MLS regular season showdown between Inter Miami and New York RB live in the USA.

“Yeah, I’ve always said one of the guys I worked with closely in my youth was someone I always worked to be similar to is Damian Las,” Brady said of his former teammate at the Chicago Fire academy.

“To me, he embodied the hard work it takes to be a goalkeeper at the professional level, and he really pushed the limit with speed, power, those type of attributes in the position. So, for me, it’s always been him, and I’ve been lucky I’ve been able to work closely with him.

“On a bigger stage, the world scale, guys that have been around. (Manuel) Neuer, (Thibaut) Courtois, Alisson, these guys. They’ve got a lot of very clean ways they play the position, and that’s stuff we look at every week.

“That’s stuff we discuss, if it’s someone who made a big save or a nice play, we talk about these things. In that way, we would look up to any of those guys.“

Brady’s great form ahead of 2026 World Cup

Brady is enjoying a fantastic moment early in his career. A strong start to the 2026 MLS season saw him make the USMNT roster in March, and even though Brady didn’t log minutes, his presence proves he’s on Mauricio Pochettino’s radar with only a few months to go the World Cup.

The Naperville native picked up right where he left off in his return to club action, posting his third clean sheet of the year to help the Fire beat Nashville 1-0. It was a statement win by Chicago, considering the Eastern Conference leaders were unbeaten before that game.

Brady’s four-save performance earned him a place on the MLS Team of the Matchday for the second time in the campaign, making the Best XI both times.

At 22, the future looks bright for the Fire sensation. It makes sense he tries to take note of what Neuer does at Bayern, Courtois at Madrid, or Alisson at Liverpool. With his current form, Brady is probably inspiring future goalkeepers as well.

While discussions are in the early stages and have yet to materialize into a formal offer, insiders reveal that Cincinnati are currently gauging Neymar’s interest and financial demands. The club is reportedly holding internal meetings to determine the feasibility of signing the global superstar.

Neymar’s current contract with Santos runs through December 2026, meaning the forward is eligible to sign a pre-contract agreement with any club starting this June. Bogert and Tenorio noted that Cincinnati believes its financial backing and state-of-the-art facilities would be a significant draw for a player of Neymar’s stature.

Evander eyes Neymar recruitment to counter Messi’s Inter Miami

FC Cincinnati already boast a Brazilian presence with Designated Player Evander and forward Brenner. Speaking to the official MLS channel in November 2025, Evander made it clear he wants his countryman in Ohio to help take down Inter Miami’s star-studded roster.

“I hope he joins Cincinnati. I think he should join Cincinnati,” Evander said. “There are two Brazilians here already. He would be very welcome, and I think he would join the Brazilians against the Argentines at Inter Miami“.

Inter Miami currently feature the largest Argentine contingent in MLS. Led by Messi, the squad includes Rodrigo De Paul, Tadeo Allende, Mateo Silvetti, Facundo Mura, David Ayala, Rocco Rios Novos, and Gonzalo Lujan.

A history of friendship and rivalry

The bond between Messi and Neymar is well-documented, with both players frequently speaking about their close relationship. They have shared the pitch as teammates in 206 matches across legendary stints at Barcelona and PSG.

However, they have also faced off as opponents on six occasions. Messi holds the upper hand in their head-to-head history with four wins to Neymar’s two. Their only meeting at the club level came in the 2011 FIFA Club World Cup Final, where Barcelona cruised to a 4-0 victory over Santos. The remaining five encounters took place on the international stage during the fierce Argentina vs Brazil rivalry.

“They don’t get distracted at all,” Bradley told Bolavip during a media session on Thursday. “We have a really good group. Training has been excellent all week. Like we have all season long, we continue to talk about the idea that we play one game at a time.

“You play the team that’s in front of you, and you get ready, you do everything you can all week to prepare and to be ready, when that whistle blows, to spill your heart and soul into that game and that 90 minutes. And when that’s done, then we get ready to do it again.“

Inter Miami chasing first win at Nu Stadium

Saturday will be only the second-ever game to be held at Nu Stadium, a venue Inter Miami heavily invested in to play near Miami International Airport after years of making Fort Lauderdale their temporary home.

A Messi header saw Inter Miami share a 2-2 draw against Austin FC in the Nu Stadium opener, so the Herons are still chasing their first-ever win at their new home.

Bradley says NY Red Bulls are excited and ready

Bradley had nothing but praise for Inter Miami, calling them “a very good team with a lot of very good players,” while describing Messi as “the best player of all time,” praising how the Argentine star can play in different positions in Javier Mascherano’s scheme.

However, the NY Red Bulls head coach let everyone know that neither the new stadium nor the opponents’ strength will prevent his team from concentrating on winning the game.

“As I said, we are excited. The new stadium in Miami looks incredible. Anytime as a player you get to play against good teams, good players, that’s what it’s all about. You want to play in the biggest games. As a group, we are really excited, and I know that we’ll be ready when the game starts,” Bradley added.

Dylan Nealis excited to return to Miami

An interesting storyline ahead of Saturday’s game has to do with defender Dylan Nealis, who also addressed the press on Thursday.

The 27-year-old will be facing the team that drafted him third overall in 2020. Curiously, Nealis’ professional debut came against his current team during an Inter Miami 1-4 loss to the New York Red Bulls.

“Yeah, it was quite long ago,” Nealis told Bolavip. “I mean, I haven’t really changed much as a player, at least I don’t think so, but maybe just a bit more mature. I was changing, I was playing different positions at that time. Just excited, that’s the club I started at, so happy to get back down there.”

This game will have implications in the top spots of the 2026 MLS Eastern Conference regular season standings. Inter Miami arrive in fourth place with 11 points, with New York just one point shy in seventh place.

Speculation reached a fever pitch during yesterday’s training session after Messi sat out the final drills, casting doubt on his status for the stadium’s grand opening.

However, head coach Javier Mascherano quickly cleared the air, explaining that the move was a pre-planned rest period due to the workload Messi carried while representing Argentina during the March FIFA international break.

Confirmed Inter Miami lineup

Having confirmed that Messi is in peak physical condition, Mascherano will lean on the Argentine icon to lead the squad for the Nu Stadium opener. With the captain cleared to play, the Argentine coach will have a full-strength roster at his disposal for today’s historic clash.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup to face Austin FC: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo de Paul, David Ayala; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; Mateo Silvetti.

Messi looking to lead Inter Miami this season

After a surprising early exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup in the first round against Nashville SC, Inter Miami are under pressure to deliver a standout MLS campaign to satisfy their supporters.

With Messi at the helm, the Herons have already shown signs of dominance in the opening weeks. In just four matches played during the 2026 MLS season, the Argentine icon has netted four goals, leading the team to three victories. Their only setback so far was a narrow defeat in the season opener against LAFC.

Messi enters the 2026 season with a historic target in his sights: becoming the first player to win three consecutive MLS regular season MVP awards. After securing the Landon Donovan MLS MVP trophy in both 2024 and 2025, he has already made history as the first player to win it back-to-back.

Reports indicate that demand for tickets has been extremely high, with the club projecting a near sell-out atmosphere for the long-awaited first game in their new home, which has cost several million dollars.

This marks a major step forward for Lionel Messi‘s club, who have spent recent seasons playing in a smaller temporary venue before finally moving into a permanent soccer-specific stadium in Miami.

How many people will attend Nu Stadium?

Nu Stadium will host 26,700 fans for the Inter Miami vs Austin FC opener, with the venue expected to operate at or very close to full capacity for its inaugural match. This figure represents the stadium’s official seating capacity at Miami Freedom Park.

The anticipation around the opening night has been massive, with strong ticket demand reported in the buildup to kickoff. Multiple local reports indicate that the club is preparing for a near sell-out environment, as fans rush to be part of the first-ever match at the new venue against Austin FC.

The opening is also a statement moment. After years of playing in a temporary setup in Fort Lauderdale, the move into a 26,700-seat soccer-specific stadium reflects the club’s rapid growth in popularity and commercial reach, especially following its recent on-field success and global attention.

Inter Miami could play at Nu Stadium under restrictions if permit is delayed

Inter Miami’s game could be played under a limited event permit with restrictions if Nu Stadium does not receive its temporary certificate of occupancy in time. According to a report from Andy Slater, city officials are working to approve the necessary documentation, but contingency plans are already in place.

As outlined by local authorities, the City of Miami is “working diligently” with stadium representatives to issue the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) ahead of the inaugural match.

However, if that approval is not finalized, officials can authorize the event under a limited-use permit, which would allow the match to proceed but under specific conditions. This type of permit is commonly used in similar situations when venues are not fully cleared for standard operations.

Those conditions could include restricted hours, limited capacity, operational constraints and additional safety precautions, all designed to ensure compliance while still hosting the event.

Is Nu Stadium sold out for Inter Miami vs Austin FC?

Yes! Nu Stadium is essentially sold out for the Inter Miami CF vs Austin FC opener. The club’s new home officially opens on April 4, 2026 and only very limited (if any) inventory remained in the days leading up to kickoff.

The atmosphere is expected to be one of the most intense in MLS this season. The combination of a brand-new venue, a packed crowd and a high-profile opponent has created a “big-game” environment even before kickoff.

Will Lionel Messi play in the Nu Stadium opener?

Lionel Messi is expected to play in the Nu Stadium opener against Austin FC, with Inter Miami staff confirming he is in good condition and available for selection despite minor fitness management earlier in the week.

Manager Javier Mascherano has stated that Messi “looked good” physically and is expected to feature barring any last-minute issues. The Argentine superstar had sparked brief concern after being rested during part of a recent training session due to workload control following international duty.

However, those concerns were quickly downplayed internally, with the club emphasizing that the decision was precautionary rather than injury-related. His presence is central to the significance of the night, as the opening of Nu Stadium represents a defining moment.

[Watch Inter Miami vs Austin in the USA on Apple TV]

Inter Miami enter this matchup riding high after a thrilling 3-2 victory that pulled them within three points of Eastern Conference leaders Nashville SC, with Lionel Messi continuing to drive their surge.

Meanwhile, Austin FC are still searching for answers with just five points from five games, making this a crucial opportunity for Miami to keep climbing the standings while Austin fights to keep their playoff hopes alive.

When will the Inter Miami vs Austin match be played?

Inter Miami will face off against Austin this Saturday, April 4, in a 2026 MLS regular season game, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET).

Inter Miami vs Austin: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs Austin in the USA

Tune Apple TV to catch the 2026 MLS regular season showdown between Inter Miami and Austin live in the USA.

While Ronaldo has hit the century mark in league play for Al Nassr, Messi has recorded a total of 57 MLS regular-season appearances for Inter Miami, according to Transfermarkt data as of April 3, 2026.

However, the gap narrows significantly when considering all official competitions, as the Portuguese striker’s total reaches 132 matches while the Argentine’s tally increases to 97 games with the Florida-based club.

Ronaldo and Messi thriving in their new chapters

Both players are enjoying a dominant present at their respective clubs, where they remain the definitive stars. Despite being in the final stages of their illustrious careers, they continue to be decisive for Al Nassr and Inter Miami.

In 132 matches for the Saudi club, Cristiano Ronaldo has registered an impressive record of 117 goals and 23 assists. The only missing piece for the Portuguese legend is securing an official title with his club, though Al Nassr’s current form suggests he could finally end that drought this season.

With Al Nassr’s latest triumph, they sit at the top of the Saudi Pro League with 70 points, maintaining a six-point cushion over rivals Al Hilal (who have a game in hand). As the title race enters its final stretch, this victory brings Ronaldo one step closer to ending his trophy drought in Saudi Arabia.

On the other side of the world, Messi has made a massive impact throughout his 97 games in the United States. The Argentine boasts a remarkable record of 82 goals and 44 assists.

Furthermore, Leo has already led the Herons to three major trophies—the 2023 Leagues Cup, the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, and the 2025 MLS Cup—cementing a legacy that will endure forever in Fort Lauderdale.