Mascherano breaks the silence on Messi and the rumors

Amid growing speculation about Lionel Messi’s immediate future, Javier Mascherano stepped forward to clarify the situation. The Inter Miami manager was clear when asked about the possibility of the Argentine star featuring in Saturday’s match against Atlanta United, just one day after Argentina’s friendly against Venezuela.

“If he doesn’t play today and there’s a chance, I’d be delighted to have Leo Messi. But the reality is that he hasn’t been with us,” Mascherano stated in a press conference. The Argentine coach clarified that Messi remains with the national team and that, for now, there has been no contact suggesting any special permission.

The rumor gained momentum after Messi didn’t play in Argentina’s friendly at Hard Rock Stadium. His presence in the stands with his family and his good physical condition fueled speculation about a possible quick return to MLS action.

“Messi can play at any moment”

When asked if Messi could play without training with the group, Mascherano didn’t hesitate: “Messi can play at any moment, obviously. But I can’t talk about something that hasn’t happened, because he’s not with us and I haven’t spoken to him.”

The former Barcelona star and Messi’s long-time teammate for club and country explained that, as a policy, the club doesn’t interfere when a player is called up by his national team. “When they go with the national team, we don’t get involved. We’re not calling them up or anything. For now, everything remains the same,” the coach emphasized.

Mascherano, who has shown great respect for Argentina’s internal dynamics, avoided any controversy. However, his remarks were interpreted by many as a sign of openness in case the situation changes at the last minute.

Scaloni also spoke: “We’ll decide with him”

Meanwhile, Lionel Scaloni also addressed Messi’s situation before the friendly against Venezuela. “We’ve spoken with him, like we do with everyone. We haven’t decided the lineup yet. It’s true that these games are for testing things, and that’s what we’ll do,” said the coach.

When asked if Messi could play for Inter Miami and then return to the national team, Scaloni was cautious: “I’ll talk to him this afternoon. We’ll see after that. But there’s not much more to say, it’s all hypothetical.”

The manager’s words left the door slightly open, but nothing is confirmed. It all seems to depend on Messi himself and how Argentina’s upcoming schedule, including a match against Puerto Rico, unfolds.

Messi, caught between two jerseys and a media dilemma

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi remains at the center of attention. His absence against Venezuela sparked media conversations in both Argentina and the United States. In Miami, fans dream of seeing him wear Inter Miami’s pink shirt again, while Argentina’s staff looks to protect his fitness ahead of the World Cup qualifiers and the 2026 tournament.

Messi, who is currently in excellent physical and emotional shape, stays focused on both goals: qualifying with Argentina and leading Inter Miami to the top of the Eastern Conference in MLS. Although both Mascherano and Scaloni have avoided controversy, the mere possibility of seeing him play on both fronts keeps fans’ hopes alive.

For now, the only certainty is that No. 10 remains the epicenter of world football, capable of igniting a storm of rumors with just one absence or a smile from the stands.