Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, expressed his surprise at Lionel Messi’s unwavering will to win after the MLS side pulled off a stunning 2-1 victory over Porto at the Club World Cup on Thursday.
The 37-year-old Messi delivered a match-winning performance at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, curling in a brilliant free-kick to seal the win. While his technical brilliance is expected, Mascherano highlighted Messi’s competitive drive as the most remarkable aspect of his game.
“Beyond the goal, what stands out is his hunger, his desire to keep competing at any level,” said Mascherano. “In football terms, there’s little left to say — he’s the greatest ever. But his will to win is what’s most surprising.”
Mascherano noted Messi’s contribution in both attack and defence, even while fatigued and nursing a knock late in the game. He credited Messi’s contagious winning mentality for lifting the team’s performance.
Despite expectations that Porto would dominate, Inter Miami became the first MLS team to beat European opposition in a competitive Club World Cup match.
“We knew the quality of the opposition, but we believed in our plan and in each other. That belief made the difference,” Mascherano added.
Porto took the lead with a first-half penalty from Samu Aghehowa. However, Inter Miami responded in the second half with goals from Telasco Segovia and Messi, earning them a crucial three points and drawing level with Palmeiras at the top of Group A.
Mascherano revealed his halftime message to the players was focused on confidence rather than the scoreline. “I told them to lift their spirits. I wasn’t concerned about the result. I wanted us to show we could play both with and without the ball. They understood that, and in the end, it was a great afternoon.”
