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Javier Mascherano says Lionel Messi is “someone who transcends the sport” after he inspired Inter Miami to another big victory.
Messi scored twice and grabbed an assist for Jordi Alba as Miami came from behind to record a 5-1 win over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday.
It was the Argentinian’s sixth brace in seven games, while it took his total to 18 goals for the season, the joint-most in MLS (also Sam Surridge).
Messi also had the most expected goals (xG) of anyone on the pitch with 1.8, as well as the most shots (five), the most touches in the opposition box (11), the most final-third entries (nine) and the most chances created (four).
And Mascherano compared his former team-mate to greats from other sports after the warm reception he received in New Jersey.
“I was with him for eight years at Barcelona, with the national team, at airports, hotels – especially in places he hasn’t visited often, people go crazy,” Mascherano explained.
“He generates all of this. I think the admiration is total, but it’s not just because of the kind of footballer he is. I think he’s a role model, someone who transcends the sport.
“Any sports fan feels admiration for athletes like Messi, Michael Jordan, Rafael Nadal – people who have made history in their sport. We are very privileged to witness this up close.”
Miami got back to winning ways on Saturday, after a 3-0 loss to FC Cincinnati had ended a three-game winning streak.
The Herons are fifth in the Eastern Conference on 41 points, seven behind leaders Cincinnati, though Miami do have three games in hand on the teams above them due to their Club World Cup participation.
Mascherano highlighted that Miami need to improve defensively ahead of a busy end to the season, with MLS also being paused for the Leagues Cup from the end of this month.
Miami have not kept a clean sheet since a 1-0 win over Columbus Crew on April 19, going 13 matches without a shutout since then.
“This was a difficult period with all the travel and little rest – the match against Cincinnati reflected our fatigue,” he added.
“Now we have a long week, and we’ll use it to let the guys who are the most tired get some rest.
“If you want to be competitive, you have to be very solid defensively. We’ve been okay, but we need to improve.”