In today’s MLS regular season fixture, Inter Miami CF came from behind to defeat Orlando City SC 4-2. After the match, Javier Mascherano attended the post-game press conference and was asked questions regarding Lionel Messi.
Reporter: First of all, congratulations to you and Inter Miami. Is there anything new you can say about Messi? We saw he looked frustrated early on before scoring two incredible goals. Could you comment on those two strikes and his impact in this game?
Mascherano: About him, beyond what I have already said a thousand times, he is clearly the greatest player in the history of this sport, and he is also a leader. As a leader, he can inspire others, but he also needs to be inspired. I mean, he also needs to see positive signs on the pitch to become more determined.
I think in the second half we saw him in much better shape, because we scored quickly after the break. We started finding him in the zones and positions where he feels comfortable, which gave him more options. When he drove forward with the ball, he had more attacking alternatives. He clearly possesses the ability to solve games like no one else, and that ultimately allowed us to turn the match around.
