Inter Miami defeated Cincinnati and entered the MLS Eastern Conference finals. The Athletic wrote that Mascherano has improved the team's defensive level.
TA wrote that Messi has too many amazing characteristics, but the most fascinating among them is his unparalleled ability to move without the ball. If there is one player in the world that 11 opponents try their best to limit, it must be Messi. However, his ability to hide himself cleverly, integrate into the game without the ball, and then suddenly appear in the gap at the best time is simply magic.
It was this ability and his smart movement to get rid of several defenders that helped Inter Miami score the first goal against Cincinnati. Since then, Messi has turned into an organizer, assisting his teammates three times to complete the goal. Inter Miami scored 12 goals in four playoff games.
Inter Miami will play New York City in the Eastern Conference Finals, and since Inter Miami has a better regular season record than all remaining Western Conference teams, they will always have home court advantage, which is crucial. And the club never loses sight of their single goal. "Two wins, that's what I told the team in the dressing room, two more wins, that's the goal," club owner Jorge Mas said.
This season has not been smooth sailing for Inter Miami, including a slump at the beginning of the season, but the team may be in its best shape right now. Messi has contributed 11 goals and 9 assists in the last 7 league games, and the team does not need any additional help on the offensive end.
At the same time, the team's defense has also made significant progress. Mascherano played an important role in the improvement of the team's defensive line. In the last few months of the season, Mascherano adjusted the defensive line personnel and repeatedly emphasized his tactical system to help the team avoid easily losing the ball in transition between offense and defense.
On Sunday, Mascherano made his toughest decision yet, benching Suarez. Inter Miami found a more fluid attacking style against Nashville, with Messi as a false nine and Allende and Silveti on the wings, so Mascherano continued that combination against Cincinnati.
After the game, Mascherano praised Suarez's mentality, who accepted the substitution decision and helped his teammates. During the game, Suarez was often seen getting up from the bench to encourage his teammates. He came on as a substitute in the 76th minute, when Inter Miami had just scored its fourth goal.
When Mascherano took over at Inter Miami, this appointment caused some doubts because he was Messi's former teammate. But Inter Miami executives have no reservations about this and firmly believe that Mascherano is the right candidate.
Inter Miami has not won any trophies this season, and they may not be able to win the championship in the end. However, with Messi's personal ability shining throughout the game, the team's defense becoming increasingly solid, and Mascherano's tactical deployment seeming just right, it is difficult not to think that this team is the favorite to win the championship.