Lionel Messi has led Inter Miami to a 2-1 victory against Nashville SC in the Major League Soccer on July 12 at Chase Stadium.
With this victory, Inter Miami are now maintaining a winning streak in their last five league matches. To add to his long list of achievements, Messi has extended the MLS record for scoring multiple goals in consecutive games to five.
While addressing the press following their match against Nashville, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano spoke about Messi’s new record and heaped praise on the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
“What he continues to do is unbelievable – breaking records every three days. He’s the flag bearer of this team, our leader, and he sets the standard for how we compete. It’s truly a blessing to be part of this stage of his career,” as per GOAL.
Mascherano was asked to share his thoughts on Luis Suarez, who has not registered a goal in the Herons’ last three MLS games.
What did Javier Mascherano say about Inter Miami’s Luis Suarez?
Suarez is yet to net a goal since Inter Miami returned to MLS action following their elimination from the Round of 16 of the Club World Cup last month.
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The last time Suarez found the back of the net for the Herons in MLS was against Columbus Crew on May 31. The Uruguayan star provided one goal and one assist in the four matches of the Club World Cup.
In his post-match conference, Mascherano addressed Suarez’s three-match goal drought and defended the 38-year-old, stating that his ‘quality is unquestionable.’
“It wouldn’t be right for me to criticize someone who’s scored over 500 goals in his career. Luis is a great player, just like Leo, Busquets, and Jordi. When he doesn’t score, the discussion starts – but he gives us so much more.”
“Just two weeks ago, we were talking about his wonder goal against Palmeiras. Football is dynamic. As long as our top players are healthy, I’ll back them – and our young players – all the way.”
Mascherano also spoke about how managing Suarez’s time on the pitch is a priority, while mentioning that playing on artificial turf in Boston in their match against New England Revolution last week was not ‘ideal’ for him.
“It wasn’t ideal for him. We wanted to sub him off earlier, but the moment wasn’t right. Still, we’ll manage his time carefully. His quality is unquestionable.”
Suarez has scored a total of nine goals and provided 12 assists in 28 matches across competitions for Inter Miami so far this season.
Inter Miami are pitted against FC Cincinnati next in MLS on July 16, at TQL Stadium.