Well, we are here again. Yet another ex-Barcelona recruit for Inter Miami. But will Mascherano’s managerial expertise be enough for MLS Play-Off success in 2025?
Growing up as a Manchester United fan, I despised Javier Mascherano. Every time we played against that Liverpool team that were a few players that stuck out like a sore thumb and got on my nerves. Dirk Kuyt for one. Martin Skrtel to name another. And of course, Mascherano.
He was a dirty player, always winding up the opposition with his cheeky smile after an intentionally clumsy challenge. I remember when he got sent off at Old Trafford in 2008 and the amount of drama he caused after the referee’s decision. Flaring his arms into the air, storming around the sidelines, taking ages to actually remove himself from the field. Watching on, even at the ripe age of 8, I thought to myself – ‘wow this guy seems like a spoilt prima donna’.
Despite this … he was some player. Transferring to Barcelona during the era when they made football look like it was conducted by Mozart or painted by Picasso, he became an integral part of arguably the best team to have ever played the game. After countless trophies, an emphatic 2014 World Cup campaign with Argentina, and even a special mention from Roy Hodgson in the same year naming him ‘the best footballer on the planet’, Mascherano’s playing career was nothing short of legendary.
A three-year stint coaching Argentina’s academy and their 2024 Olympics team also earnt him some valuable managerial experience. Now he has his first spell in club management, joining his old Catalan colleagues.
Since international management is predominantly tournament football, this is Mascherano’s first challenge in a league format. Still, several months before the start of the 2025 MLS campaign, he has ample time to assess his philosophy and implement his tactics. His direction will no-doubt attempt to resemble Barcelona’s legacy of tiki-taka, quick passing, positional awareness and – of course – lending the ball to Messi at every given opportunity.
Those coming through the academy of Inter Miami will gain an even clearer understanding of the Barcelona way. They will be given a masterclass education from the likes of Busquets, Alba, Suarez and Messi all under the supervision of Mascherano, a man who knows how to win titles.
2025 will definitely be an interesting watch. It’s one thing to win the Supporters Shield (again), but if they want to be taken seriously at all, they will need to succeed in the Play-Offs.
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