Javier Mascherano takes charge of the Herons for the first time in a friendly against Club América at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
They may both be 37, but Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez are not ready to hang up their boots yet.
The iconic duo were named as the strike partnership in Javier Mascherano's first match in charge of the Herons, a friendly against Club America in Las Vegas. It was America who took the lead that evening, but Miami quickly hit back through Messi.
The Argentinian started the attack with a pass to Jordi Alba, who shot forward on the left. He clipped a cross towards Suarez, who tapped the ball into the path of Messi, who had found space in the penalty area. Messi nodded the ball home from close range for Inter Miami's first goal of 2025.
Inter Miami has announced the changes for 2025 and parted ways with former head coach Tata Martino. The Argentinian led Miami to a record-breaking season campaign and the Supporters' Shield trophy last year, but the team fell at the first hurdle in the play-offs.
This season could be the last with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez in the squad, so there is a real win-now pressure at Chase Stadium. They have moved to expand the squad with a series of off-season signings.
MLS veteran Fafà Picault joins from Vancouver Whitecaps, while ex-San Lorenzo right-back Gonzalo Luján will strengthen the defensive options. The departure of Diego Gomez to Brighton & Hove Albion has left Miami lacking energy in midfield and they will hope that 21-year-old Telasco Segovia can fill the gap somewhat. The loan contracts of Tadeo Allende, David Martínez and Rocco Ríos Novo have provided even more depth.
“I like my teams to play with intensity and courage,” Mascherano said recently when asked what he expects from his team. “But we know we have only just started and we have to remain calm. We are happy with the players. They work hard and do very well.”
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