With 22 goals and 12 assists in 22 matches, Lionel Messi sits atop the MLS scoring chart, tied with LAFC’s Denis Bouanga. Despite injuries that sidelined him for several games, Messi is enjoying his best season since arriving in the league. On Tuesday, Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano highlighted just how vital Messi is to the club.
Getty Images SportMessi leading the way
Ahead of Wednesday’s visit to New York City FC, Mascherano spoke about the current form of his star forward as the MLS regular season nears its end.
“It’s hard to choose one version of Leo,” Mascherano said. “He’s a player who seems to stop time and continues making a difference game after game. If there’s something he has shown throughout his career, it’s the ability to constantly reinvent himself and add new things to his game, as if he ever needed to. We’re happy with the level he’s showing because, obviously, like any team in the world that has Messi, it depends on him.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportRodrigo De Paul fully settles in
The Argentine coach also discussed fellow countryman Rodrigo De Paul, who, in Mascherano’s view, has completed his adaptation to the team.
“He’s already gone through the riskiest stretch, those first few games after finishing his previous season with little rest,” Mascherano said. “Now, after a month and a half and several matches, I think he’s adapted. Physically he looks good, so we’ll try to manage his minutes as best as we can with so many games coming up.”
AFPSuárez ready to return after suspension
Mascherano also addressed Luis Suárez, who served a three-game suspension following an incident in the Leagues Cup and could return to action on Wednesday.
“He’s been training well, as usual,” Mascherano noted. “Obviously Luis is a player who’s used to playing all the time, so I imagine he’s eager and anxious to get back on the field. We didn’t do anything specific with him during the suspension – he trained with the team the whole time. In a way, the break was good for him because he had been playing a lot of matches.”
Getty Images SportWhat next for Inter Miami
Inter Miami head to Citi Field to face NYCFC in a key Eastern Conference matchup. The Herons, coming off a 3-2 win over D.C. United, currently sit fifth with 52 points, while NYCFC are just ahead with 53 points.