Javier Mascherano continues to see Lionel Messi write history. First as teammates on the Argentine national team and Barcelona, and now as his head coach at Inter Miami. However, Mascherano isn’t taking credit for what the 38-year-old continues to do on the field. Addressing the media before Saturday’s MLS Matchday 3 fixture against DC United, the Herons manager told Bolavip that Messi deserves all the recognition.
“I’m just a privileged spectator,” Mascherano replied to Bolavip when asked about Messi breaking more records, as the Argentine star reached 898 career goals with his brace against Orlando City on Sunday.
“I just get to watch him closer than you on the sidelines. The numbers that you mention are incredible, he’s unbelievable,” Mascherano added on Messi, who also reached 70 career free-kick goals with an incredible set-piece screamer in Orlando.
Being just two goals shy of reaching 900 in his career, Messi remains hot on Cristiano Ronaldo’s heels as the Portuguese striker aims to reach the 1,000-goal mark before the Argentine ace does.
Mascherano, Messi looking for second Inter Miami win in 2026
Meanwhile, Messi and Mascherano will be looking for their second win in 2026 as Inter Miami aim to build on their Florida Derby win, which was also their first franchise victory in Orlando.
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The defending MLS Cup champions, who bounced back after a 3-0 loss to LAFC in the season opener, will take on a DC United side that also has three points, having beaten the Philadelphia Union on Matchday 1 before losing to Austin last time out. The game will take place at 4:30 PM (ET), with Messi set to start on Saturday. The Herons will have little time to rest, as their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign starts Wednesday with a trip to Nashville.
