A History-Making Challenge for Lionel Messi & Inter Miami

Javier Mascherano Sets Sights on MLS Cup Glory in 2025 After Club World Cup Adventure

It was always going to be a year of ambition in South Florida, but now Inter Miami and Lionel Messi face the biggest challenge of them all: turning potential into silverware and delivering MLS Cup glory for the very first time.

Following an eventful campaign that has already seen Lionel Messi and Co. etch their names into the FIFA Club World Cup history books, the mission ahead is crystal clear: win it all. And according to head coach Javier Mascherano, that mission is more than just a dream—it’s a realistic goal rooted in belief, growth, and a whole lot of work.

From Global Dreams to Domestic Goals

Coming off an emotionally charged Club World Cup run—where they shocked European powerhouse Porto and reached the last-16—Inter Miami are back on home turf with renewed energy and a target on their backs. Their eventual exit at the hands of Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain was no disgrace. In fact, it cemented their place as a serious side on the world stage.

But now, as Mascherano puts it, “Our motivation now is to compete in our league, and to achieve something this club has been aiming for year after year.”

The former Argentina captain is not just talking about making playoffs or putting together a good season. He’s talking about making history—the kind of legacy-defining run that would put Inter Miami in the same sentence as the greats of MLS.

Messi Magic Continues in MLS

If you thought the Club World Cup spotlight might have tired out Lionel Messi, think again.

Back on the domestic front, the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner picked up right where he left off—delivering a dazzling performance against CF Montréal, scoring a clinical brace in a dominant 4-1 win. That result moved Miami to sixth place in the Eastern Conference, with a caveat—they have four games in hand on most of the teams above them, including leaders FC Cincinnati, who sit 10 points clear.

So, while the current table suggests an uphill climb, in truth, the Herons are in a great position to make a run—especially with Lionel Messi in form and Luis Suárez continuing to build chemistry with his long-time teammate.

Mascherano’s Vision: Win With Style, Depth, and Consistency

Lionel Messi Inter Miami 2025

Having taken over the reins from Tata Martino in early 2025, Javier Mascherano has quickly put his stamp on the squad. There’s grit. There’s structure. And most importantly, there’s purpose.

Mascherano knows what it takes to win at the top level. He’s done it for Barcelona, for Argentina, and now he wants to guide Inter Miami toward that elusive first MLS Cup title.

“We want to get as far as we can, qualify for the playoffs, be in position to have home-field advantage, and from there we’ll see what happens at the end of October,” Mascherano explained after the Montréal victory.

The message is clear: securing playoff positioning is just the beginning. Miami isn’t just in this to compete. They’re in this to win.

Squad Management: The Next Big Puzzle

With six more matches scheduled in July alone, Mascherano faces a different kind of tactical challenge: squad rotation. Unlike the European calendar, where midweek games are common, MLS is often relentless in summer, and injuries or fatigue can derail the best-laid plans.

“Clearly, we have a lot of games coming up, plus all the ones we have already played,” Mascherano noted. “So we will need everyone to participate. We’ll see how we can manage some roster changes without feeling it too much because I don’t like to change six or seven players from one match to the other.”

That approach will demand sharp tactical calls and trust in players beyond the marquee names. With youngsters like Benjamin Cremaschi, David Ruiz, and Leo Campana playing increasing roles, depth could be the secret weapon Miami needs to go the distance.

Messi’s Contract: Future Still Undecided

While all eyes are on the present challenge, questions naturally swirl about the future—specifically, Lionel Messi’s.

His current deal with Inter Miami runs through the end of 2025, but with an option to extend for another year. As of July, Lionel Messi is technically free to begin conversations with other clubs. But Inter Miami remains hopeful that the Argentine icon will commit to the cause for one more season.

Mascherano has avoided speculation, but the front office is reportedly in ongoing discussions with Lionel Messi’s camp. From the club’s perspective, keeping him for the 2026 World Cup year, hosted partly in the United States, would be massive—not just on the pitch, but commercially and culturally.

A New Chapter in MLS History?

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Should Inter Miami go all the way in 2025, it would mark a pivotal moment—not just for the club, but for MLS as a league.

Messi’s presence has already elevated the brand. Now, silverware would validate the project as a true success—not a marketing splash, but a championship blueprint built on leadership, chemistry, and high-level play.

That’s why Mascherano’s goals are about more than trophies. They’re about setting a standard for the next decade.

“This club has grown a lot,” he told reporters. “But now it’s time to win. Not just talk about potential—show it.”

Looking Ahead: July Grind, Leagues Cup, and the Road to October

Miami’s July calendar is jam-packed, with six fixtures across MLS and Leagues Cup play. The tournament offers another chance for international silverware, but for Mascherano, the focus remains squarely on October.

The grind begins now: winning mid-table clashes, keeping players fit, and inching closer to playoff security. From there, the magic of Lionel Messi—and the muscle of Mascherano’s plan—can take over.

Final Word

Messi and Miami have already made history. But that’s not enough.

In 2025, Inter Miami is no longer the feel-good project or flashy new MLS team. They’re contenders. And Javier Mascherano has issued the ultimate challenge: go and win the thing.

MLS Cup or bust? That might be oversimplifying it. But make no mistake—anything less than a serious playoff run will be considered a missed opportunity.

And with Lionel Messi still dazzling, Mascherano steering with fire, and a squad hungry for more, who’s to say history won’t be written again in pink and black?