Inter Miami’s Argentine coach, Javier Mascherano, said Friday that “there is no doubt” that Lionel Messi should be the MLS regular season MVP winner, both for his statistical balance and his importance within the team, ahead of the final day of the league and the playoffs.
“I think there is no doubt about it, it goes beyond the data. It is what he reflects on the field, the importance he has within the team and above all what he makes everyone who has the chance to see him enjoy,” the ‘Las Garzas’ coach told the media on the eve of the final day of the MLS match against Nashville.
Messi shines despite playing fewer games
Messi is one of the leading candidates to win the MLS regular season MVP award.
Thanks to 26 goals scored and 18 assists dished out, which put him at the top of the table in both facets.
In addition, Mascherano recalled that Messi has played “far fewer games than the rest”.
The 38-year-old Argentine star has missed six MLS matches:
Most of them due to injuries or due to coach’s rotations to rest him, and one due to suspension for not attending the All-Star Game despite being called up.
The MLS regular season reaches its conclusion this Saturday, after which the playoffs will be defined, to be played between October 22 and December 6.
Inter Miami seeks to climb the rankings
Inter Miami is currently third in the Eastern Conference with 62 points, and a win or a draw away to Nashville would put them in with a chance of moving up to second place.
Mascherano stressed that “it is an important game for everyone” that can help his players get to the postseason in the best possible way.
However, he did not reveal whether Messi and Rodrigo De Paul will have minutes in the match.
This after both played with Argentina in last Tuesday’s friendly against Puerto Rico in Miami.
“Today they will do a full training session, even though they played on Tuesday, it was not one of these FIFA dates that wore them out, there was no travel involved.
With information from EFE
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