'Leo is happiest when he’s playing football' – Inter Miami's Javier Mascherano defends decision to play Messi 90 minutes in 4-1 win against CF Montreal

With a Lionel Messi brace and goals from Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia, the Herons returned to MLS action with a win.

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Prince Osei Owusu scored Montreal’s lone goalMessi now has 12 goals this seasonInter Miami sits sixth in the Eastern Conference with 32 pointsGet the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowWHAT HAPPENED?

Javier Mascherano praised his team’s performance following Inter Miami’s emphatic 4-1 win over CF Montréal, emphasizing the importance of returning to MLS play with a victory after several weeks away due to their Club World Cup participation.

“In general, we played a great match. It’s never easy to reintegrate into league competition after the Club World Cup, but the players handled it perfectly,” the Argentine manager said in the postgame press conference. “It’s a great night – we took three very important points that allow us to refocus on MLS.”

The Argentine manager also defended his decision to let Lionel Messi, 38, play all 90 minutes of a match that was quickly decided in the second half.

“We have to understand that Leo is happiest when he’s playing football," Mascherano said. "Every time he’s fit, he’s going to want to play – and we’re going to let him. He gives us a huge advantage when he’s on the pitch, and of course, we want to make the most of it."

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Inter Miami resumed MLS play with a convincing 4-1 victory over CF Montréal, capitalizing on the defensive frailties of one of the league’s weakest backlines. Despite falling behind just two minutes into the match, Javier Mascherano’s squad quickly turned things around.

Led by a Lionel Messi brace, and supported by goals from Tadeo Allende and Telasco Segovia, the Herons secured a statement win that builds on their strong showing at the Club World Cup. It was a much-needed result for Inter, who made the most of facing a struggling Montréal side to collect three valuable points.

Looking ahead, Mascherano acknowledged the demanding schedule Inter Miami now faces, with two more matches coming up in quick succession: an away trip to New England on Wednesday and a home clash against Nashville on Saturday.

“We have consecutive games coming up, and we’ll need every player ready. Whoever gets the chance has to be prepared,” he said. “This was an important match – Montréal was coming in with good momentum, but our team rose to the occasion.”

Getty Images SportWHAT JAVIER MASCHERANO SAID

The Argentine manager also commented on the overwhelming support Messi receives from away fans, often turning road games into near-home atmospheres.

“I don’t want to overanalyze it. We’re very lucky – when we play away, most of the crowd comes to see Messi, and a lot of them are actually fans of his. They usually try to support him, and that’s something we don’t take for granted," he said.

Montreal sold out Stade Saputo, and there were plenty of pink kits worn by fans in the stands.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

Mascherano’s team will have little time to rest, as they’re set for another road match next Wednesday against the New England Revolution.