Inter Miami secured a 2-1 victory over Tigres in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals despite the absence of Lionel Messi. Luis Suárez scored twice from the penalty spot to clinch the win, setting up a clash with Orlando City. However, the match was overshadowed by a controversy involving head coach Javier Mascherano.
Mascherano received a red card during halftime but continued to manage the team throughout the second half from a stand directly adjacent to the field. He was seen actively giving instructions and speaking on his phone, prompting debate over a potential rules violation. Leagues Cup regulations state that an ejected coach “may only remain in the locker rooms, Team suites, or in an area isolated from spectators as approved by the Organizing Committee.”
During a tense press conference ahead of the team’s next MLS match against D.C. United, Mascherano defended his actions. “I abide by the rules and I didn’t break any,” he stated. “I couldn’t be on the bench, and I wasn’t. I’m not to blame for how the stadium is configured. I went and sat in the stands.”
He added that he chose the location for its proximity to the team. “My team needed me there, and if my team and my players need me, I will be there. I will pay whatever consequences I have to pay,” he asserted. “Beyond that, we asked the Leagues Cup if I could sit there, and they told me yes, because it is the stands.”
When pressed by reporters on whether his conduct was appropriate, Mascherano grew frustrated. “What is the rule? You believe that with today’s technology, coaches don’t have access to communicate with their staff? If it weren’t legal, they would have stopped the game and told me to leave,” he countered.
The coach explained that the red card resulted from a “vehement” argument with the fourth official over added time at the end of the first half. He also clarified that the phone call was with the team’s video analysts to review in-game situations, a practice he described as “very normal in football today.”
Looking ahead, Mascherano confirmed that Lionel Messi will not play in the upcoming match against D.C. United. “Leo will rest because of the trip,” he said, explaining the decision was made to ensure the star is in optimal condition for the Leagues Cup semifinal against Orlando City.
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