For the first time in their history InterMiami will play in the Eastern Conference Finals next Saturday as they look to clinch a spot in the Major League Football title match. Head coach Javier Mascherano has shared details of his team’s preparation for the showdown New York City F.C.
When asked if he has already decided on his starting line-up for Saturday’s match, Mascherano was completely honest. “We have it clear, we know exactly how we want to play. But as I am, I don’t like the players knowing who is going to play until the last day,” the coach revealed at the press conference on Friday, shared by reporter Jose Armando X.
“It’s, I think, the way to keep everyone focused on the game,” Javier explained. “I believe that not only the eleven starters are important, but also the entire group. Being in this phase we need everyone to be alert because we will need them all.”
Mascherano took a similar stance in the week leading up to the semi-final against FC Cincinnati. At the time, the main question was whether Luis Suarez would return to the team after serving his suspension or as Mateo Silvetti would keep his place in the attack.
Lionel Messi plays for Inter Miami CF.
That strategy proved effective, as the young Argentinian ultimately earned his place in a surprising decision that directly influenced the outcome: Silvetti scored a goal and provided an assist for Lionel Messi.
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Mascherano analyzes the match against New York City FC
At the same press conference, Javier Mascherano spoke about the challenge that New York City FC will present at Chase Stadium. “Even though we have regained home advantage, tomorrow’s match will be very difficult.the coach said. “We are playing a team that has earned the right to play in the conference finals. They are the only team to win all three road playoff games.”
Mascherano also emphasized that Inter Miami cannot afford to relax. “I think we have competed well so far, but we haven’t achieved anything yet.the coach emphasized.We’ve talked about it a lot this week. All the noise around us should not distract us. Our mentality and focus must be to go for the game from the first minute, just like we did against Nashville and Cincinnati.”
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A crucial match in the history of Inter Miami
Just six years after joining MLSInter Miami is at a historic moment. They are playing a Conference Final for the first time and are just 180 minutes away from winning what would be the most important title in the club’s history.
So far, the Herons have won two trophies, both since the arrival of Lionel Messi. The first was the League Cup 2023and the second was the Supporter shield 2024. While these are significant achievements – especially for such a young club – they don’t compare to the magnitude of winning the MLS Cup, the premier trophy in American soccer.
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