Javier Mascherano has commented on winning the MLS Cup with Inter Miami.
Mascherano joined Inter Miami last year after coaching both the Argentina U20 and Argentina U23 national teams. The Argentine failed to win a trophy with his country as coach and after joining Inter Miami, he has coached them to their first MLS Cup and also lifted his first trophy as coach.
The Argentine spoke to MLS Español after Inter Miami’s 3-1 win against Vancouver in the MLS Cup. Here is what he had to say:
“I understand that since I arrived there were always doubts because it was my first season as a team coach. I always told the truth and never hid it: I haven’t had very good results at the youth team level, it wasn’t working out for me.
“I think I found a group of players who understood our way of working, tried to accompany them in this process, and obviously I’m very happy. Finishing the season this way is incredible.”
Hi Team Mundo Albiceleste!
Proud to be part of this amazing group. I’m a recent joiner, and this is actually my first comment, so here are my takes on the 2026 World Cup on the way.
Honestly, I have no issues with our centre-backs. Argentina has always produced top-quality CBs, so that area feels solid to me. Same with our forwards—I think we have the best No. 9 options in Álvarez or Lautaro. On the wings, Nico González is doing really well on the left, and on the right, I personally feel more confident with Soulé. Not sure why he isn’t being called up yet. Also, Gio Simeone’s form has been impressive lately, and the next few months will be crucial for him if he wants to break into that spot of RW.
For me, the midfield is the real engine of the team. We have a strong group with McAllister, Enzo, De Paul, Lo Celso, Palacios, etc., but some of them are injury-prone. So I’m curious to see if Scaloni is looking to refresh or adjust this area, because the midfield is where your whole foundation is built, especially for a World Cup run. Apart from that, Fullbacks is a major concern, according to me. You guys think Tagliafico/Molina are capable of attacking as well as defending against pacy wingers, which we will eventually face in the later stages of the World Cup.
So yeah, these are my initial thoughts. Excited to share more!
After all the flak Masche got in all forums for his managerial stint with our NT youth levels, i am happy he got some decent success even though MLS is a 2nd level league. Hopefully he grows from here. Was surprised to see he speaking good english in the interview. It is quite rare for a latin american player.
Remember, he lived in England, played for West Ham and Liverpool.
Hopefully he takes over the national team after the world cup
Hello Albiceleste members,I am new here but have been following argentina since 2010 but have read all the comments before and after 2022 fifa world cup,really glad to be a part of good and constructively critical discussions among La albiceleste members..
Regarding recent squad:Lo celso has still an important role as a sub. I doubt him as a starter but still very important in terms of a sub.
And scaloni should consider garnacho or dybala instead of mastantuono.
And licha has time to get into his full form considering his long term injury, 1 months prior to world cup will be crucial for squad selection.
Welcome De, glad to have you.
As for Lo Celso, well I love the guy and he’s a heck of a talent but at this point sadly I don’t even think he’s good enough to be a sub. The kid is made of glass and I don’t think he can be even relied on to come off the bench.
Dybala is another legit talent that I love but I his case is the same as Lo Celso’s, he’s way too injury prone to be relied on. Next year’s world cup is unique in the sense that a team will need to play 8 games to win the cup, which is one more than it’s been since 1974, 2 more than it’s been since 1970 and double the amount it’s been since 1938! Meaning that fitness is essential because 8 games in a span of a month is no small feat and to be honest Argentina has plenty of options in the front and the midfield and don’t need to rely on injury prone players.
Welcome to Mundo Fam Siddharth
Thank you
Vamos Albiceleste
Aarón Anselmino, Marcos Senesi, and Juan Foyth have demonstrated exceptional performance. Foyth, in particular, has established himself as a highly reliable center-back for Villarreal. Senesi delivered a commendable performance in yesterday’s match against Chelsea. Aarón Anselmino is proving to be a revelatory talent at Dortmund, and should he maintain his current form, I anticipate he will secure a position in the national team, potentially replacing Leonardo Balerdi. Regarding Lisandro Martinez, I do not foresee him returning to his previous level of play.
Lo celso shouldn’t in the nt squad at all he is waste of space if i been honest
My choice is Aaron Anselmino. I would pick him inplace of balerdi.
I think Anselmino is already one of the best defender of the world….
I agree on Locelso. There better options especially with Emi buendia gaining form. It will be tough for the likes of garnacho, dybala Soule to make a cut unless number of players is increased from 26-30. Aaron anaelmino just needs to maintain that consistency in form and fitness.
Scaloni’s pecking order for midfielders & defenders. I don’t think he has madeup his mind when it comes to the third midfielder and second CB, howeverif Lichacan stay fit and picks up form in a United then he should be pairing Cuti. Fortunately we have comparatively easy first 3 games to decide the starting xi in the knockouts.
Midfielders:
Macalister
Enzo
Depaul
Paredes
Locelso
Palacios
Defenders:
Cuti
Ballerdi
Otamendi
Senesi
Licha
Foyth
You forget most important midfield for the nt
Thaigo almada
I know Almada is regarded as a midfielder during squad announcements but the guy is a forward in the NT, it would be a stretch to even call him a winger let alone a midfielder.
Midfielder list gives a red flag bcos majority of them in today’s form/fitness are handy subs & will not be first choice in a world beating NT team. The reliance on ALexis & Enzo will be massive to make the impact. Unfortunately we have not been able to get a good break through in this department post Doha. Defense also not a comfortable picture if Licha does not come back to top form. I doubt Scaloni has trust in Ballerdi. He will just bet on Otamendi who will finally get outrun by some young strong attackers.
No player should have a guaranteed spot except messi and Dibu Martinez. Last world cup saw newcomers like Enzo Fernandez & Macalister ( though he had played few matches) who never featured in Copa 2021 or played finallisma. Right now Locelso, Palacios are easily replaceable. Almada has proved in few matches he played; buendia & Equi Fernandez are few players to watch. Even DePaul has declined. That list means nothing because alot will have changed in 6 months.