“Wanted to put a on a show” - After Mascherano talks about resting Lionel Messi, rival coach makes feelings clear about Argentine’s mindset

New England Revolution coach Caleb Porter has lavished praise on Lionel Messi after Inter Miami beat his team 2-1 in the MLS on Wednesday night, July 09. It was the Argentine sensation who made the difference, scoring both of his teams goals in this match.

Following the game's conclusion, Herons boss, Javier Mascherano, admitted that he wanted to rest Messi for a portion of the game. However, a late goal from the opponent meant that the former Barcelona man had to stay on.

Porter heard these comments and said (via GOAL):

“I said it going into the game that Messi is playing some of the best soccer of his career; and man, it just shows how professional he is, how competitive he is."

“The guy’s a beast. The fact that he plays every game of the Club World Cup, comes back from there and you think, `Oh, maybe he takes a break one of these games,’ but I’m sure he’s going to the manager’s door and saying `I’m playing. I don’t want a break.'"

He added:

“Many players would say, `Yeah, I’ll take a break here’ or `Bring me off the bench this next game’, and this guy probably heard it was going to be a big crowd of 60,000 and wanted to put on a show.”

Messi has now made 15 appearances in the MLS this season, bagging 14 goals and six assists. Inter Miami are now fifth in the Eastern Conference standings, but have played three fewer games than all those above them.

Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit believes Lionel Messi's Barcelona return is not possible

There is much speculation over Lionel Messi's future, with his Inter Miami contract expiring in December 2025. If he wishes to play the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 37-year-old would want to make sure of competitive action.

As a result, Messi has been linked with a move back to Barcelona and other places like Saudi Arabia. However, Emmanuel Petit claims a return to Camp Nou is not likely and told EscapistMagazine (via GOAL):

"There is no way we will see Messi back at Barcelona. I wish him the best in getting to the 2026 World Cup and I think then he will retire."

Messi may not be too ambitious to feature in the World Cup either, after he managed to win the prize with Argentina in 2022. He's registered 193 caps for his country, scoring 112 times.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Rahul Naresh