Bald man with a short beard smiling during a sports press conference with a microphone and a soccer ball in the foreground
ARGENTINA

Mascherano spoke about Messi's performance in the debut against Al Ahly

In the post-match press conference, the Little Chief highlighted the level of the Rosario-born star and congratulated another Argentine who was a standout player

The 2025 Club World Cup kicked off with a goalless draw between Inter Miami and Al Ahly of Egypt, in a match where all eyes were on Lionel Messi, the star of the American team. Although the match had no goals, it was highly contested, and  one of the main concerns was the physical condition of the Rosario native.

Regarding this, Javier Mascherano, coach of the North American team, was clear in the post-match press conference: "Messi is fine, if he plays it's because he's fine. He came from Argentina with no issues. We have five days to rest, which we believe is enough, but we assess that day by day".

Soccer player with a beard and short hair wearing Inter Miami’s pink uniform during a match
Messi was among the most outstanding players of the match | La Derecha Diario

Mascherano also highlighted Messi's football level and the importance of taking care of him for what's ahead: "I see him at a very, very good level. We're here to help him in every possible way. We have to do everything to ensure he arrives in the best possible condition next year", stated the Argentine coach.

He also emphasized the need to connect better with the star: "Clearly, when we find Leo in positions and get the ball to him in the best way, that's when we have the most options".

Meanwhile, Oscar Ustari, the team's goalkeeper, was one of the standout players of the match. "In the first half he kept us alive, not only with the penalty, but with two or three interventions that ultimately prevented them from scoring", praised Mascherano.

Goalkeeper in a yellow uniform saving a ball during a soccer match in front of the goal
Ustari saved a penalty and made several interventions in the first half | La Derecha Diario

Inter Miami's next match

After the draw, the Florida team will face a European opponent: Porto of Portugal, as part of the second matchday of Group A. The match will take place next  Thursday, June 19 at 4:00 p.m. (Argentina time), where Las Garzas will seek their first victory in the international tournament.

Badges of the soccer teams Inter Miami and Porto on pink and blue backgrounds, respectively
Inter Miami's second match will be against Porto | La Derecha Diario
➡️ Argentina

More posts: