‘An unbreakable group’ – Javier Mascherano credits team ‘brotherhood’ as Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami reach first MLS Cup final after 5-1 demolition of New York City FC

Mascherano made a point to acknowledge predecessor Gerardo Martino’s impact.

“I think it would be unfair not to recognize what Gerardo Martino did,” he said. “He was the first to give this team its identity. A Leagues Cup, competing for the Supporters’ Shield… the desire to compete and lift the club to another level kept growing. Beyond the big signings we made, you need players with hierarchy.”

The turning point for Miami, Mascherano explained, came earlier in the postseason. “Before Game 3 against Nashville – that was the moment when it felt most like last season would repeat itself. A similar match, playing against a lion at home. What happened last season… we wouldn’t be experiencing this today if we hadn’t gone through that elimination. In one way or another, the guys understood how to face the final stretch.”