Football has always been full of memorable quotes, but few resonate like the recent words from Javier Mascherano, current head coach of Inter Miami. The former Argentine international, who shared countless moments with Lionel Messi at both FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team, made headlines with an unexpected remark about what it’s like to manage the legendary forward.

“You Can’t Coach Him… You Just Watch”

Following Inter Miami’s latest MLS match, Mascherano was asked about Messi’s performance—and his response quickly went viral:

“You can’t coach him… you just watch.”

The quote underscores how different it is to manage someone of Messi’s caliber—especially for someone who has known him for years. Rather than controlling or directing, Mascherano admits his role shifts when it comes to a once-in-a-generation talent like Leo.

Messi Shines Against CF Montréal

Mascherano’s comments came on the heels of Inter Miami’s dominant 4-1 win over CF Montréal, a match in which Lionel Messi once again stole the show. He scored two goals, led the attack with total authority, and reaffirmed his status as the most influential player on the squad.

Thanks to that result, the Florida-based team remains near the top of the Eastern Conference, with Messi continuing to drive their success—not only with his numbers but also with his leadership in the dressing room.

Why These Words Matter

The context behind Mascherano’s statement adds depth to its meaning. Having been by Messi’s side during his golden era in Europe, Mascherano now finds himself managing him in a vastly different setting. And while he fully supports Messi as the team’s leader, he also makes one thing clear: players of his level aren’t coached—they’re given freedom.