The manager also touched on Messi's current fitness as the team has a packed schedule following the Club World Cup
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Inter Miami to play seven games in JulyMascherano plans some rotationThe Herons currently sit sixth in the Eastern ConferenceFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Inter Miami continue to be linked with a move for Rodrigo De Paul, with reports now suggesting the Argentine star midfielder has agreed to personal terms with the Herons. After a week of speculation, ' head coach, Javier Mascherano, addressed the rumors of a potential transfer for the Atletico Madrid star.
"Everyone knows the kind of player Rodrigo is, but I don’t think it’s right to talk about someone who isn’t part of this squad. It would be disrespectful to those who are here and working every day," he said, speaking ahead of Wednesday’s MLS clash against the New England Revolution.
Even if De Paul has greenlit the move, there are still obstacles for the South Florida club to overcome. There isn't an open designated player spot as Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets currently occupy those spots, and Atleti are asking for $17 million, which would be one of the highest transfer fees in MLS history. Miami have also had failed transfer pursuits of both Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne, which led to star striker Luis Suarez complaining about the restrictiveness of MLS's roster rules.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Reports have mentioned the pursuit of De Paul is directly tied with Messi's current contract negotiations to extend his stay at Inter Miami. Mascherano, a former teammate and friend of Messi, touched on the Argentine legend's future as well.
When asked about Messi’s current state, Mascherano noted that his star seems content and at peace in Miami: "He looks happy. I think he’s found a place where he can enjoy life, something he might not have fully had at other clubs. In the end, it will be his decision how long he continues."
Getty Images SportWHAT MASCHERANO SAID
Inter Miami head into the second match of a grueling seven-game stretch in July, traveling to Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, where they’ll face New England on artificial turf. While Mascherano acknowledged that the surface isn't ideal, he downplayed injury concerns.
"It’s not the best, but it’s also not something we’re overly worried about. Anyone who steps onto the field will be 100 percent ready to compete," he said.
The Argentine manager also hinted at some squad rotation to manage the heavy schedule, but emphasized his desire to keep a strong core.
"We’re not only thinking about Wednesday's match, but about the next three games coming in the next 10 days," Mascherano said. "We'll try to manage minutes wisely, but I don’t intend to rotate heavily either. The goal is to field the strongest lineup possible."
Mascherano has made it clear: If Messi is in good condition, he will be on the field. The manager praised Messi’s unique ability to manage himself during games and said he has no plans to rest his captain unless absolutely necessary.
"If there’s one player who knows how to manage himself during a match, it’s Leo," Mascherano told reporters. "If he’s feeling good, my intention is always to have him play. We’ll take things day by day, but he knows his body better than anyone."
WHAT'S NEXT?
Inter Miami face New England Revolution Wednesday night before returning home to host Nashville in a battle between two of the Eastern Conference's elite teams.