Javier Mascherano, the head coach of Inter Miami CF, expressed his great admiration for the performance of Argentine star Lionel Messi during the team's match against Porto in the second round of the group stage of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

In the press conference after the match, Mascherano said: "Messi is the player who leads us in the path of competition, with his passion, determination, and high spirit; he always gives the team extra energy, no matter what his circumstances or physical condition are."

The Inter Miami coach added: "In the world of football, what can I say? Messi is the best player in the history of the game, and there is no one who can be compared to what he offers on the field."

Mascherano continued praising the determination of the team captain: "Messi's determination to achieve victory remains astonishing; even in the final minutes, when everyone feels exhausted, he continues to fight and give everything he has for the team."

Messi had scored the winning goal for his team against Porto, reaching his 50th goal in an Inter Miami jersey, leading the team to a valuable victory with a score of 2-1, in Group A, which also includes Al Ahly of Egypt and Palmeiras of Brazil.