“The team has grown so much with Martino’s arrival,” Messi told reporters on the eve of the Leagues Cup final in August 2023. He repeated that on October 2 this year in a post-match interview with Apple TV after scoring two goals against the Columbus Crew to secure the Supporters’ Shield.

Javier Mascherano has reportedly agreed to be the next coach at Inter Miami, where he would reunite with former teammate Lionel Messi.