Messi and Inter Miami Gear Up for a New Season Under Mascherano’s Leadership
As the sun rose over Ft. Lauderdale, a sense of anticipation filled the air at Inter Miami’s training grounds. The team, now under the guidance of new head coach Javier Mascherano, completed their second training session of the 2025 campaign. The presence of Lionel Messi, a global icon in the world of soccer, added an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.
On January 11, players underwent medical examinations, setting the stage for the official start of training on January 13. The return to the field was marked by a palpable energy, as Mascherano and his coaching staff began to instill their vision for the team.
“We started on Saturday with the tests and from yesterday we started training with the squad. The feelings are very good,” Mascherano shared. “We are happy with how they have returned from the holidays. We know that it is not easy to be so long standing, beyond that everyone can do their specific work. When you reincorporate and do the group work, they have returned very well from the holidays and that has allowed us to demand a little more from the first day. So we are very happy.”
Mascherano’s approach is clear: he values intensity and courage on the field. “I’m very quiet. Obviously, I like to work with intensity in the training sessions,” he explained. “I like my teams to play with intensity and courage but we know what we are starting now and we need to be calm so we are happy with the guys. They are working a lot and they are working really well so we keep going forward.”
Yannick Bright, one of the team’s players, has already begun to feel the impact of Mascherano’s leadership. “He’s an experienced coach and obviously was an experienced player, he knows what he’s doing, he played in the best spotlights and best games possible. He definitely knows football, I am excited to start working and learning,” Bright said. “I did see flashes of intensity here and there during training, but I love it. It’s what I am about, I want to embrace it and learn.”
As the team prepares for their preseason tour across North, South, and Central America, they are aware of the challenges ahead. The first preseason friendly against Club América is scheduled for January 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, the team will not be at full strength, as goalkeeper Drake Callender and midfielder Benjamin Cremaschi will be joining the United States men’s national team for the January camp.
Interestingly, the USMNT is currently training at Inter Miami’s facilities in Ft. Lauderdale. This unique situation offers a chance for Argentina countrymen Messi, Mascherano, and USMNT coach Mauricio Pochettino to meet and perhaps exchange insights.
- Inter Miami’s second training session of 2025 took place on January 13.
- Javier Mascherano is the new head coach, bringing a focus on intensity and courage.
- Yannick Bright is excited about Mascherano’s leadership and training style.
- The team is preparing for a preseason tour across the Americas.
- Drake Callender and Benjamin Cremaschi will join the USMNT for January camp.
As the preseason unfolds, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Mascherano’s leadership shapes the team. With Messi on board and a roster eager to embrace new challenges, Inter Miami is poised for an exciting season ahead.
Originally Written by: Lizzy Becherano
