MIAMI — Head coach Javier Mascherano of Inter Miami has spoken out in defense of his team’s performance at the start of the 2026 season, despite the criticism stemming from their previous success as MLS Cup champions.
Currently, Miami is fourth in the Eastern Conference with 11 points from six matches, having lost only the opening game of the season against LAFC. Unfortunately, the team was eliminated in the Concacaf Champions Cup round of 16 due to an away goals rule after an aggregate draw against Nashville SC.
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“The truth is, we are a team. Although there is ample room for growth, we have seen many positives,” Mascherano expressed during a news conference on Friday. “I recognize that there’s often a lot of external noise stemming from the high expectations given our roster’s talent, yet the situation isn’t as dire as it may appear. We’ve only lost one match in eight, and that was our first game.”
Regarding their exit from the Champions Cup, which was a key aim, he noted, “We didn’t actually lose in regulation time. Unfortunately, it was an unexpected elimination. Still, I see encouraging signs; it’s not all gloom and doom. I believe our team can and will improve match by match.”
While Lionel Messi has started strong with five goals in his first five MLS matches, no other player from Miami has scored more than once yet. Notably, new signing Mexican striker Germán Berterame has yet to find the back of the net.
Though he refrained from singling out any player, Mascherano emphasized the need for the team to enhance its goal-scoring opportunities to achieve success. “Of course, we have Leo, who is exceptional, giving us the ability to score or create opportune chances every game,” he remarked. “However, we need contributions from the rest of the team. Creating chances is something we do well, but there will be phases in the season where some players score more consistently than others, and we will persevere regardless.”
Miami will be back in action on Saturday as they host the New York Red Bulls, marking the club’s second game at their new stadium.
Defenders Sergio Reguilón and Facundo Mura could return, though it remains uncertain if Tadeo Allende will be fit to play. Allende experienced discomfort during the recent 2-2 draw against Austin FC last Saturday, which opened Nu Stadium.
He was absent for the initial quarter of training on Friday. “Sergio and Facu have trained well all week with the group; the only one dealing with discomfort is Tadeo,” Mascherano explained. “It’s just a matter of time; he’s consistently performed well at prior clubs and has a talent for scoring goals, so I’m confident it’s only a matter of time before he finds his rhythm.”