Incoming Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano claimed that Lionel Messi could have been one of the “best defenders in the world” as he spoke about the winger’s heroics in training with Barcelona.

The former Camp Nou stalwarts look set to be reunited in Florida, with the outbound Argentina U-20s boss set to replace Tata Martino in the Chase Stadium hotseat. The latter departed the Herons after its shock first round MLS Cup playoff defeat against Atlanta United – citing “personal reasons” for his departure.

Now, former Liverpool midfielder Mascherano looks set to team up with former Blaugrana colleagues Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba once more. The 40-year-old played for Barcelona between 2010 and 2018, forming part of arguably one of the best club sides in soccer history – winning the Champions League twice and five La Liga titles.

As he prepares to work alongside Messi again in Miami, Mascherano’s admiration for his compatriot is clear – with the coach having regularly spoken about the forward’s talents in the past. In fact, the next Vice City boss even once claimed that the attacker could have even been a world-class defender based upon his performances in training.

During an interview with Shoot for Love previously, Mascherano recalled how it was practically impossible to outwit his then-teammate, such was his ability to read the game. Speaking in effusive terms, he said: “If Messi were a defender, he would perhaps be one of the best defenders in the world.

“It is impossible to get past him. Sometimes, at Barcelona we played one on one and it was impossible to get past him. We had no chance against him. Sometimes, attackers know how to defend. Leo defended very well. He was very fast and when you tried to dribble past him it was impossible.”

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Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi previously played together at Barcelona and on the international stage with Argentina

Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi previously played together at Barcelona and on the international stage with Argentina ( 

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VI Images via Getty Images)

Giving another recollection of his days training alongside Messi, the expected next Herons boss added: “In Barcelona we did a short tournament in a training session with three teams: five victories and you were the champion. He decided to end the training session early, so he scored five goals for the team to win and the training session ended.”

Meanwhile, outbound Miami boss Martino spoke of the relationship he enjoyed with Messi in Florida as he announced his departure, saying: “We found ourselves at a good moment for both of us and maintained very close contact throughout this year and a half.

“In this sense, I feel it was the best period of the three stages we’ve shared: Barcelona, the Argentina national team, and now Inter Miami.”

The Argentine added: “I definitely made the decision before the first playoff game. Of course, no one, not even my coaching staff, knew about this final decision. We had three games to play—although we aimed for fewer with Atlanta—and I didn’t want there to be any distractions.”