Mascherano Sends Clear Message to Lionel Messi After Missed Penalty vs Charlotte FC

After the Inter Miami loss, some fans online believed the penalty miss was a key factor in the Herons' loss to Charlotte FC. After the match, Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano was asked about Messi's penalty miss.

Instead of agreeing with other fans' perspective on Messi's penalty miss being a reason for the loss, Mascherano says that blaming Messi should not be the case since the player has helped the team throughout the season.

Javier Mascherano: "We can't be unfair and cling to the penalty; if there's someone who helped us win in the season, it's been Leo."

Javier Mascherano on Inter Miami's Loss

After the loss against Charlotte FC, Inter Miami dropped down to 8th in the Eastern Conference and could risk their chances to qualify for the MLS playoffs.

Inter Miami has eight regular league games left in the season and needs to pick up points in the upcoming games. Mascherano's team is four games behind due to the FIFA Club World Cup and the Leagues Cup, but the head coach wants the team to react.

Javier Mascherano: "The team showed attitude and tried. It wasn't one of our best nights; they hit us at the right moments, and we couldn't turn it around. We need to improve in all aspects. Above all, understand that a match lasts 90 minutes and we must not go crazy. There is always time to turn it around."