Javier Mascherano doesn't rule out Lionel Messi's presence at the 2026 World Cup

Inter Miami took a step forward in its preparation for the new season by defeating Atlético Nacional 2-1 in Medellín, leaving behind the heavy loss suffered against Alianza Lima. After the match, Javier Mascherano spoke to the press and made a remark about the future of Lionel Messi.

When he was asked about the possibility that the star from Rosario could play in the 2026 World Cup, the coach was direct: "Yes, why not?". This way, the former Barcelona player implied that he sees the Rosario native with real chances of leading Argentina National Team once again in what will be his sixth World Cup, although the player himself has not yet publicly confirmed his presence.

The coach also referred to the captain's physical care and to the demanding schedule that Inter Miami will face. "I like to support the players and above all to know what their feelings are. No one knows their body better than they do", he explained, and he added that the management of workloads is a shared process: "We have a fairly heterogeneous group, with different ages and realities. That is where we have to try to find a balance".

Regarding the national team, the Herons' coach praised the current form of Lionel Scaloni's team: "Argentina will face it in the best possible way because it has been competing very well for a long time, it has extraordinary players and obviously, as an Argentine, I wish that our national team will really do well".

Meanwhile, beyond the result, Mascherano highlighted the symbolic and sporting value of the tour of South America. "Having Leo allows us to make these kinds of tours in South America. First because of the sporting aspect and the challenge that playing against the Colombian champion gives us, at its home, with this atmosphere. It gives us the opportunity to play matches that we might not be used to playing because of the atmosphere", he pointed out.

He also emphasized the global impact of the team: "As a club, this makes the Inter Miami brand continue to expand around the world. It is a club that has been in existence for six years and it is important that in every place it goes so many jerseys can be seen and that this joy is caused, above all that there are many people who end up following the team. Clearly it would not be possible if Leo had not decided to play here".

Inter Miami's tour will continue next Saturday against Barcelona de Ecuador and will conclude against Independiente del Valle before the official MLS debut, scheduled for February 21 against Los Angeles FC.