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Inter Miami's first MLS Cup win was a strong confirmation that Project Messi was not just making a splash, but a complete success. |
Inter Miami ended their 58-game journey with their first MLS Cup title. The title was not only a reward for Messi, Suárez, Busquets and Alba, but also a milestone that proved the club's ambitious project had come to a complete end.
Mascherano - from doubter to architect of victory
When Inter Miami put their faith in Javier Mascherano, doubts immediately arose. A coach who had never coached a club before, entering a dressing room where Messi, Suarez, Busquets and Alba were still legends. The fear of him being “swallowed up” was understandable.
But Mascherano chose to move forward. He learned from the failures in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup and Club World Cup, and gradually shaped his role. From a pressured newcomer, Mascherano became the tactical fulcrum of the team.
The turning point came when Suarez was suspended in the first round of the playoffs. Mascherano was forced to experiment, bringing in Mateo Silvetti. That reluctant change opened up a new direction: Inter Miami needed a different operating model to survive in the most important stage of the season.
Since then, Suarez has been on the bench for three consecutive matches, while Miami has won brilliantly. Cincinnati was crushed 4-0. New York City FC lost 1-5. In the final victory over Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the early morning of December 7, Miami showed the most composure and efficiency of the season.
Inter Miami then no longer depended on Messi and Suarez. It was a team that knew how to adjust, adapt and win with discipline.
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When Inter Miami put their faith in Javier Mascherano, doubts immediately erupted. |
For a project to succeed, big egos have to step back at the right time. Inter Miami does it maturely.
Suarez, who has been a starter his entire career, accepts his role as a substitute with rare composure. He admits he “always wants to play”, but understands and respects the coach’s plans. That attitude helps the dressing room maintain stability, and even inspires the rest of the squad.
Messi also made sacrifices. He refused to play a friendly for Argentina to keep his schedule for Miami, a rare thing in the superstar's career. Thanks to the victory over Atlanta soon after, Miami had home field advantage on the way to the final.
Oscar Ustari even accepted losing the number one spot to Rocco Ríos Novo, becoming a mentor to his younger brothers. It was what Mascherano called “unity”. He said many times: “We need everyone”. And the collective responded exactly as expected.
A rosy ending, mixed with a bit of farewell echoes
As “La Gozadera” played at Chase Stadium, Messi lifted the MLS Cup, while Suarez, Busquets and Alba hugged and danced in a circle. It was a scene straight out of a movie, and a fitting end to a group of friends who had been together for more than a decade.
Busquets and Alba ended their careers in pink, Suarez closed the season with the composure of a big star, and Messi added a golden touch to his great legacy.
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Inter Miami ended their 58-match run with their first MLS Cup title. |
With their first MLS Cup win, Inter Miami didn’t just make history. They proved that the “Messi project,” once considered a risky venture, could succeed thanks to the combination of superstar glamour and team discipline.
The journey is long and challenging, but the happy ending always belongs to the teams that know how to learn, know how to sacrifice and know how to fight until the end.
Source: https://znews.vn/inter-miami-doi-dien-mao-nho-messi-va-mascherano-post1609105.html
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