Mascherano opens up about Lionel Messi's new contract with Inter Miami

Former Barcelona player and current Inter Miami head coach, Javier Mascherano, has opened up about Lionel Messi’s new contract with Inter Miami. Mascherano expressed confidence in getting the deal over the line. His statement comes after watching his team suffer a 3-0 defeat to Orlando City SC in their last league game, a result that leaves the club sixth in the Eastern Conference.

On the other hand, Lionel Messi has been instrumental in driving his team forward in the league. Since arriving in Miami in July 2023, he has made 56 appearances across all competitions, recording 44 goals and 21 assists. The Argentine international’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the year. While a contract extension with the Herons is yet to be finalized, the club recently extended Jordi Alba’s contract until 2027.

Javier Mascherano expects the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner to follow suit. He said that the contract extension of Jordi Alba signifies the importance of stability whereas Messi is important for both the club and the league. He said: 

Signing Jordi for the next two years is important to show stability, and we hope to have some news on Leo in the coming weeks

Messi's permanence would be very important for the club, for the fans and also for the MLS.

What did Javier Mascherano opine about the defeat to Orlando City? 

Speaking about the defeat and possible corrective actions, Javier Mascherano stated that the team will continue to work and make the necessary adjustments to get things right. He emphasized the need for the club to return to the positive momentum they had at the beginning of the campaign. Amidst this, he also took full responsibility for the current situation and circumstances. He said:

We must continue working, adjust things. I know that it is no use describing the moment, but that you have to act and return to that positive dynamic that we had at the beginning of the league,

We must all go out together. In that sense, I take full responsibility for the moment and the circumstances. No one enters the field to suffer or to have a bad time.