Former Argentina international Javier Mascherano recently shared thoughts on Lionel Messi, calling him the “essence of football.” Mascherano, now an assistant coach at Inter Miami, sees Messi’s genius up close every day. He’s watched the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner do what he calls “crazy things” in training. This insider view offers a new look at Messi’s continued impact on the game, even at 38.
The pair have a long history. They played together for Argentina, including the 2014 and 2018 World Cups. Also at Barcelona for a decade, winning trophies. So Mascherano knows Messi well. He joined Inter Miami’s coaching staff in May 2024, working under Tata Martino. This reunion gives him a unique seat to observe Messi’s enduring skill.
Inside the genius: Mascherano’s raw observations
Mascherano’s unfiltered comments came out in an exclusive interview with TyC Sports on January 23, 2026. He spoke ahead of Inter Miami’s preseason camp. His words paint a picture of Messi’s constant brilliance, not just in games, but every day.
He put it simply:
“I’ve seen Lionel Messi do crazy things. Things that you can’t even imagine. In training, he does stuff that leaves everyone speechless. It’s not normal.”
Mascherano didn’t stop there. He thinks Messi is more than a player.
“Messi is the essence of football. He’s not just the best player; he’s football itself. What he does is pure art.”
And he compares him to legends.
“I’ve played with greats like Xavi, Iniesta, Ronaldinho, but Messi is in another dimension. He’s the GOAT, no doubt.”
Juan Pablo Varsky, the TyC Sports reporter, tweeted about it, saying: “Mascherano no se cansa de alabar a Messi: ‘Es la esencia del fútbol’. Un lujo escucharlo.” That means he can’t stop praising Messi. A luxury to hear him, the tweet said. ESPN Deportes then picked up the story. They quoted Mascherano saying, “Even at 38, in training, he dribbles past five players like it’s nothing. It’s crazy.”
Mascherano apparently turned down coaching offers from Barcelona. He cited “the chance to work with Leo daily” as his reason to stay with Miami, according to Diario Olé.
Messi’s continuous impact on Inter Miami and Argentina
Messi joined Inter Miami in July 2023. Since then, he’s transformed the club. The 2024 season saw him score 20 goals and make 10 assists in just 19 regular-season games. Inter Miami won their first Supporters’ Shield. He’s the team’s talisman. In 2025, he kept it up, with 18 goals and 13 assists in 28 MLS games. Inter Miami reached the Eastern Conference Final that year.
Internationally, he’s still a force. He scored and assisted in a 1-0 win against Colombia in November 2024 World Cup qualifiers. That was his 112th international goal. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni knows Messi’s special. He told Clarín in December 2025 that “Leo is football personified. Javi knows it better than anyone.”
The story gained traction online. Messi himself ‘liked’ the TyC Sports post on Instagram. Inter Miami’s official X account reposted it too. They added “Familia Herons 🇦🇷🧉”. It all reinforces how much he means to everyone.
Looking ahead to 2026: Miami’s ambitions and Messi’s future
Inter Miami starts their 2026 MLS season on February 22 against Sporting Kansas City. The team is aiming for the MLS Cup and the Club World Cup. Miami will host the Club World Cup in June-July 2026. Messi’s contract runs through December 2026. He signed a 2.5-year extension in 2024.
Javier Saviola, another former Barcelona and Argentina teammate, thinks Messi will be at the 2026 World Cup. He told El Grafico that Messi is “nearing the end of a wonderful story” but “I think he’ll be there.” Saviola sees Messi “eager, involved, enjoying himself.”
Mascherano’s recent praise just adds to Messi’s status. He has 8 Ballons d’Or, 44 trophies, and was the 2022 World Cup MVP. This latest chapter, straight from an old friend and now coach, just confirms what many already know.
Soureesh Datta 
Priyanjan Paul