After Lionel Messi confronted the referee during the MLS season opener, Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano asserted that the media had created a “circus” surrounding the incident.
In the MLS season opener between Inter Miami and New York City FC, Lionel Messi was in the spotlight, contributing two crucial assists and engaging in a confrontation with the referee and a NYC FC assistant post-match. Inter Miami’s coach Javier Mascherano addressed the situation, stating that the media had exaggerated the events, calling it a “circus.”
Following the 2-2 draw, Messi directly approached referee Rosendo Mendoza to question why a yellow card was not issued. This heated exchange resulted in Messi receiving a booking. Shortly after, another intense moment occurred when NYC FC’s assistant coach Mehdi Ballouchy had a verbal dispute with Messi. As Messi headed to the locker room, he grabbed Ballouchy by the neck.
Mascherano defended his star player when asked about the situation. “I don’t have much to say. It’s difficult when you’re on the pitch and things aren’t going the right way, especially when you feel the referee made a mistake… In soccer, it’s hard to control emotions.” Mascherano explained during a press conference ahead of the upcoming match against Sporting Kansas City.
He further emphasized that the incident had been blown out of proportion. “I also think the press sometimes wants to create a circus around these moments. This happens in every game where there’s a discussion with the referee or an opposing player. As we say in Argentina, ‘What happens on the pitch, stays on the pitch.’ Now, we forget about it and look ahead to the next game.“
Despite the drama, no formal complaints have been filed with MLS by referee Mendoza or Ballouchy regarding Messi’s actions. With only a yellow card issued, the Argentine star will be available for Inter Miami’s next league match against Houston Dynamo on Sunday.
Mascherano discusses weather for Sporting KC match
Inter Miami is set to face Sporting Kansas City tomorrow for the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup first round. The first match, postponed due to severe weather, was played in freezing conditions of -9.4°F (-23°C), where Messi scored a memorable goal to give Miami the advantage.
When asked if Tuesday’s weather would impact the game, Mascherano responded: “We know that rain is forecasted for the entire day today, and the same for tomorrow. Luckily, it won’t be as cold as in Kansas City. But let’s hope it doesn’t affect us. In the end, our way of playing remains the same; we have to try to be the protagonists and control the ball.“
Despite holding a narrow advantage, Mascherano stressed that Inter Miami would approach the game as if the first match had never happened. “A 1-0 lead means absolutely nothing. In fact, we prepared for the match as if it were 0-0. We can’t afford to speculate, because the problem with speculation is that you have a plan. And what if you need to change it?” the coach said. “It’s better to have a plan to go for the win, and no matter what happens, the plan remains the same, which is to win.“
