Mascherano: Messi Must Be Given Freedom of Movement on the Field
Argentine Javier Mascherano, head coach of Inter Miami, confirmed on Monday that it is essential to give freedom of movement on the field and create spaces for exceptional players like his fellow countryman Lionel Messi.
Freedom of Movement for Messi
Mascherano said during a press conference, ahead of his team’s match against Sporting Kansas City in the CONCACAF Champions League:
"It would be disrespectful to a player of Lionel Messi's caliber to direct and limit his movements on the field."
He added:
"We try to create the right spaces for him on the field, and I believe this is crucial when you have a player like Messi. The team must free him from defensive marking and create the space where he can move freely."
He continued:
"From here, he leads the team brilliantly. He sees football in a very unique way; he is different from everyone else."
First Leg Result
After winning the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 with a 1-0 score, courtesy of a goal by Messi, the No. 10 shirt holder and his teammates will host Kansas City for the second leg.
Regarding this result, Mascherano said:
"This result gives us no advantage at all. We are preparing for the next match as if the score was (0-0)."
He added:
"We cannot take risks; the problem is that football is not a button you can press, and at any moment, you can reactivate the players whenever you want. This doesn't exist in football... Our strategy is to win the match."
Talk about Luis Suárez
Mascherano (40) also spoke about Uruguayan star Luis Suárez, emphasizing that, despite his knee pain, he is in good physical condition.