Javier Mascherano revealed details about Lionel Messi’s physical condition during the match between Inter Miami and Porto at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
This Thursday, Inter Miami secured a historic win over Porto that brought them to the verge of qualifying for the Round of 16 in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Lionel Messi was instrumental with a brilliant free kick goal, but after the match, head coach Javier Mascherano shared some key information about the forward.
“He’s incredible, he’s the one who pulls us forward to compete,” Mascherano began in his post-match interview with DSports, before highlighting the condition under which the Argentine star took the field. “His level when it comes to competing, his will to overcome adversity, dealing with quadriceps discomfort, and still running.”
Messi had dealt with physical issues during his stay in Argentina for the South American qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He played only 35 minutes against Chile on June 5, and five days later started against Colombia but asked to be subbed off in the second half.
Despite those physical concerns, Leo played the full 90 minutes against Al Ahly in the Club World Cup opener last Saturday, and once again completed the match this Thursday—playing a key role for the team beyond just scoring. “It’s things like this that make him different,” said Mascherano. “This is what’s made him the greatest of all time.”
The coach then reflected on what it means to work alongside Messi. “It would be crazy to say I’m here to coach him. He’s a legend,” Javier said. “We try to support him during this stage. Make things as easy as possible, bother him as little as we can. And that’s why we have to create a context where he feels comfortable and can shine.”
Mascherano breaks down Inter Miami’s win
After praising Lionel Messi’s performance and the impact he has on Inter Miami, Javier Mascherano analyzed the game against Porto and pointed out the team’s key strengths. “We were convinced of what we needed to do in this match. The team was feeling comfortable on the field, we found the spaces,” he said.
However, the coach made it clear that this win doesn’t change his view on the tournament’s hierarchy: “Today it was our turn to win and we’re happy, leaving the impression that we’re a serious team. We can compete against an opponent that has a higher level than ours.”
What did Messi say after the win vs Porto?
Named Man of the Match, Lionel Messi spoke with DAZN and shared his thoughts following the victory over Porto. “It’s a great joy. We put in a huge effort, worked very well,” the forward began.
On how the match unfolded, Leo offered his perspective. “Today we played a great game, we were more free,” he said. “We controlled the ball in the first half and even into the second… We competed against a very good European team. Today we were the underdogs, but we have our weapons. Now we face Palmeiras, one of the world’s giants.”
And when asked about his free kick goal, Messi broke it down: “I saw the goalkeeper was in the middle of the goal, it was going to be hard to get it over him. I took advantage of the space he left in the center by not covering his post as much.”
From: bolavip.com
