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Inter Miami's first MLS Cup title is strong confirmation that the Messi project has not only made a splash, but has been a complete success. |
Inter Miami concluded their 58-game run with their first MLS Cup title. This trophy was not only a reward for Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Alba, but also a milestone proving the club's ambitious project had reached a complete conclusion.
Mascherano - from doubter to victorious architect
When Inter Miami placed their faith in Javier Mascherano, skepticism immediately arose. A coach who had never managed a club before was stepping into a dressing room where Messi, Suarez, Busquets, and Alba were still legends. The fear that he would be "swallowed up" was understandable.
But Mascherano chose to move forward. He learned from failures in the Concacaf Champions Cup, League Cup, and Club World Cup, and gradually shaped his role. From a newcomer under immense pressure, Mascherano became the tactical anchor of the entire team.
The turning point came when Suarez was suspended for the first round of the play-offs. Mascherano was forced to experiment, bringing Mateo Silvetti onto the field. This unexpected change opened up a new direction: Inter Miami needed a different operating model to survive in the most crucial stage of the season.
From then on, Suarez was benched for three consecutive games, while Miami won convincingly. Cincinnati was crushed 4-0. New York City FC lost 1-5. In the final match against Vancouver Whitecaps, which they won 3-1 on the morning of December 7th, Miami displayed the calmest and most effective performance of the season.
Inter Miami at that time was no longer dependent on Messi or Suarez. It was a team that knew how to adjust, adapt, and win through discipline.
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When Inter Miami placed their faith in Javier Mascherano, skepticism immediately arose. |
For a project to succeed, big egos must know when to step back. Inter Miami did that wisely.
Suarez, who had spent his entire career as a starter, accepted the role of substitute with rare composure. He admitted he "always wanted to play," but understood and respected the coach's plans. This attitude helped maintain stability in the dressing room and even inspired the rest of the team.
Messi also made a significant sacrifice. He refused to play in a friendly match for Argentina to keep his schedule with Miami, a rare occurrence in the superstar's career. Thanks to their victory against Atlanta shortly afterward, Miami had the home advantage on their way to the final.
Oscar Ustari even accepted losing the number one spot to Rocco Ríos Novo, then became his mentor. That's what Mascherano calls "unity." He said many times: "We need everyone." And that team responded exactly as he hoped.
A rosy ending, tinged with the lingering feeling of farewell.
As the song "La Gozadera" played at Chase Stadium, Messi lifted the MLS Cup, while Suarez, Busquets, and Alba embraced and danced in a circle. It was a scene from a movie, a fitting end to a group of friends who had been together for over a decade.
Busquets and Alba ended their careers in pink, Suarez concluded the season with the composure of a true star, and Messi added a golden touch to his great legacy.
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Inter Miami concluded their 58-game run with their first-ever MLS Cup victory. |
With their first MLS Cup title, Inter Miami not only made history, they proved that the "Messi project," once seen as a risky adventure, had succeeded thanks to the combination of superstar charisma and team discipline.
The journey is long and challenging, but the happy ending always belongs to the teams that know how to learn, how to sacrifice, and how to fight until the very end.
Source: https://znews.vn/inter-miami-doi-dien-mao-nho-messi-va-mascherano-post1609105.html
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