Lionel Messi and Inter Miami secured a 4-1 win against CF Montreal in their Major League Soccer return on June 5 at the Saputo Stadium.
During his full 90 minutes on the pitch, Messi scored a brace and provided an assist, as Inter Miami bounced back after their elimination from the FIFA Club World Cup with a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Round of 16.
Messi’s current contract at Inter Miami is set to expire at the end of the year, but it does includes an option for a 12-month extension, which has yet to be triggered.
Speaking after the win against Montreal, head coach Javier Mascherano heaped praise on his squad’s performance after exit.
“In general, we played a great match. It’s never easy to reintegrate into league competition after the Club World Cup, but the players handled it perfectly. It’s a great night – we took three very important points that allow us to refocus on MLS,” as per GOAL.
Mascherano also addressed his decision to play Messi, who turned 38 last month, for the entirety of the match, even though Inter Miami had secured a lead in the early stages of the second half.
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What did Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano say about Lionel Messi?
During his post-match press conference, Mascherano explained that having Messi on the pitch is a ‘huge advantage’ and claimed the Barcelona legend will play anytime he is fit and wants to.
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“We have to understand Leo is happiest when he’s playing football. Every time he’s fit, he’s going to want to play – and we’re going to let him. He gives us a huge advantage when he’s on the pitch, and of course, we want to make the most of it.”
With this win, Inter Miami now stand sixth in the MLS table with 32 points in 17 matches. Messi & Co. are set to face New England Revolution next in the league on July 9, at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts.
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