Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has expressed a strong desire for Lionel Messi to renew his contract with the club, stating that such news would provide reassurance to fans and all associated with the organization. “As a coach, I want him to renew his contract as soon as possible for the tranquility of the fans and everything surrounding the club,” Mascherano remarked on Friday. He clarified that he is not involved in the negotiations, leaving that aspect to the management.
Mascherano’s urgent plea follows his earlier comments from May 18, where he expressed hopes for positive announcements regarding Messi’s contract extension soon. Current reports indicate that negotiations between Messi and Inter Miami are still ongoing.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of 2025. The team is currently grappling with a challenging run, having lost five out of their last seven matches, with their most recent victory against the New York Red Bulls on May 3.
In light of these struggles, Mascherano emphasized the importance of collective effort both on and off the field to regain form. “We have utilized this week to work on various improvements, which has been productive. However, we need to focus on rebuilding our confidence as a team,” he explained, noting that the emotional aspect of football can greatly influence performance during matches.
Defender Ian Fray shared insights on team dynamics following a tough 3-0 loss to Orlando City, highlighting that key players, including Messi and Suarez, held a candid discussion meant to rally support and accountability within the team. “It was just a calm discussion among teammates during a tough time,” Fray noted.
Looking ahead, Inter Miami is set to face the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park this Saturday night. A renewed focus on teamwork and communication could prove pivotal as the players aim to turn their fortunes around and re-establish their competitive edge.
Overall, there remains a sense of hope that with continued support for Messi and a focused training regimen, Inter Miami can reclaim their winning momentum.