How Javier Mascherano feels about new role leading Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets to new heights with Inter Miami in MLS.

Mascherano was initially recruited by the team in August 2019 in what Inter Miami viewed as a two-pronged deal. He would play for the club in 2020, its inaugural season, then take over as a coach of the club's academy the following year. It didn't come together then; the timing wasn't right.

Javier Mascherano’s introductory meeting with the media as Inter Miami coach on Tuesday opened with a revelation from managing owner Jorge Mas: The legendary Argentine defensive midfielder came extremely close to joining the club in August 2019 for the final year of his playing career in 2020 with the intention of shifting into a coaching role.