Mascherano sets the record directly to Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami on supporters’ Shield Push

Inter Miami belong to the few Major League Soccer parties that are still in conflict with the top spots in the regular season as the 2025 Supporters’ Shield Race heats up. With the herons who defend last year’s trophy, Head coach Javier Mascherano established the record right to Lionel MessiThe team about what is needed to compete for the title.

Toronto FC stopped the winning series of Inter Miami on Saturday with a 1-1 draw in Canada. After scoring brackets in back-to-back competitions, Messi was loved from the score leaf as Goalkeeper Sean Johnson delivered a man-of-the-match performance that completed the hope of Miami to repeat as shield winners.

Speaking in his press conference after the game, with Miami fourth in the Eastern Conference, Mascherano emphasized the importance of finishing as high as possible: “We are aimed at finishing as high as possible. Perhaps today we missed a chance to keep climbing, but in the end it will be important to be there, because as soon as the play -offs start playing at home. If we can fight for the shield of the supporters, great, we will try it. “

The Argentinian coach also underlined that although the team is obliged to compete, their destiny will ultimately depend on the results of the leaders. ‘I think we have the responsibility to fight for it, but in the end we will see if we get the chance to stay in the race in the next four games““Mascherano added.

The Herons arrived in the Toronto match with 55 points in 29 games, still control over their path to the top of the regular season table of MLS. But with Philadelphia Union now on 63 points through 32 games, Inter Miami must hope that the leaders slide into their last two games.

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Inter Miami feels the fatigue

Due to their involvement in international competitions, various Inter Miami luminaires were again planned for September and October. In contrast to leaders Philadelphia, Messi’s side has passed a debilitating schedule, playing every three to four days. The toll was clearly against Toronto, with Sergio Busquets surprisingly replaced – a rare event for the experienced midfielder.

Mascherano recognized the challenges of the packaged calendar, but insisted that his side would not apologize. ‘We play every three days. It’s not easy when most teams play every seven or eight. But we don’t like to keep apologies for us. We try to do our best, to go further, and hopefully we can be there if they drop points in the games they still have. We push to the end. “

After Saturday’s game against Toronto, Inter Miami will again see action against the Chicago Fire on TuesdayAnd then next Saturday against the Revolution of New England in a different row of a full schedule.