Javier Mascherano reflected on the match with admiration, stating that even though he was in the stands, it never negatively affected the team. According to him, the reason was simple—there was already a greater “coach” on the pitch in the form of Lionel Messi. Mascherano explained that his role was limited to preparing the initial plan and appointing Messi as the leader to guide the squad. Once the match started, he became just another spectator, marveling at Messi’s leadership and influence throughout the game.
He highlighted how Messi not only performed brilliantly as a player but also took on the responsibilities of a coach. On what Mascherano described as a “historic night,” Messi carried the weight of both playing and guiding the team, inspiring his teammates with his leadership. His ability to balance both roles seamlessly was, in Mascherano’s words, the defining factor that carried the team into the final. The coach praised Messi for not only executing his usual brilliance on the field but also motivating and organizing the players in crucial moments.
Mascherano revealed a striking example of Messi’s tactical intelligence: during the game, Messi changed the team’s formation three times without seeking approval from the bench. When his assistant informed him at halftime about these changes, Mascherano simply responded, “He is Messi, we don’t know better than him.” This statement encapsulated his deep trust in Messi’s unparalleled football mind and natural leadership. For Mascherano, this night was a personal revelation about what it truly means for Messi to be Messi—a player whose greatness extends beyond talent to vision, authority, and tactical brilliance.
Looking ahead to the final, Mascherano expressed his absolute confidence. With Messi on the pitch, he said, the outcome already felt decided. His words reflected not only admiration but also a belief that Messi’s presence alone guarantees inspiration, control, and excellence. To him, the team was never in danger because they were “in safe hands” under Messi’s command. This moment served as another chapter in Messi’s legacy, where his role transcended being a player to embodying both captain and coach—a living legend whose influence reshapes games and carries his team toward glory.
