Lionel Messi continues to shine in Major League Soccer, delivering another masterclass this weekend with two goals and an assist in Inter Miami’s 1–5 win over the New York Red Bulls. After the match, his former teammate and now MLS coach Javier Mascherano offered glowing praise for the Argentine star.

What Did Mascherano Say About Messi?

“I had the chance to be with him for eight years at Barcelona, over 15 with the national team, and people always go crazy,” said Mascherano, highlighting the impact Messi has in every city he visits.

But the former midfielder didn’t stop there. He went on to place Messi in the same category as global sports icons, stating that his influence goes far beyond football.

Is Messi on Jordan’s Level?

For Mascherano, what makes Messi unique isn’t just his talent—it’s his global significance.

“It’s not just about the kind of footballer he is, it’s that he represents the kind of athlete who transcends football,” he explained.

He even compared Messi directly to legends of other sports:

“Any sports fan—not just football fans—feels admiration for athletes like Leo Messi, Michael Jordan, Rafa Nadal,” Mascherano added.

Messi’s Ongoing Impact in the U.S.

Since joining Inter Miami, Messi has done more than elevate his team’s level. He’s helped fuel a massive surge in interest around soccer in the United States. At 37 years old, he continues to dominate on the pitch while reinforcing his legacy as one of the most influential athletes of all time.