Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has criticized the refereeing following his team’s 2-1 loss to Nashville SC in the MLS Playoffs first round. This result means the Herons will have to face Nashville in a decisive third game to determine which side advances to the next stage.
Inter Miami started the MLS Playoffs strong, winning the first clash against Nashville 3-1, with Lionel Messi scoring a brace. However, in the second match, they fell short, losing 2-1. Nashville took an early lead through Sam Surridge’s penalty in the 9th minute, and Josh Bauer doubled their advantage just before halftime at the 45th minute. Lionel Messi was the lone goal scorer for Inter Miami, netting a late goal in the 90th minute.
The upcoming third game will decide which team proceeds to the Conference Semifinals. Speaking about the officiating, Mascherano stated:
“I’d rather not comment on the refereeing. I know how the system works, and I don’t want to give anyone an excuse to come after me. But I’m surprised they didn’t go to VAR—the tool is there, and I don’t understand why they didn’t use it.”
After missing out on the MLS Cup last year, having been knocked out in the Round One Best-of-Three Series, Lionel Messi and his teammates will be eager to make a strong comeback in the third match. Inter Miami is set to face Nashville again on November 8.
In the post-match press conference, Mascherano also provided insights into what Inter Miami struggled with during the game. One of the critical issues was the team’s difficulty in connecting with Lionel Messi on the pitch, who remains central to the Herons’ gameplay.
“In the second half, even though they sat back, we managed to create a few more chances,” Mascherano explained. “We have to swallow the anger and carry it with us all week so we can release it next Saturday.”
Messi continues to be decisive for Inter Miami, having scored in both games of the best-of-three series so far. Impressively, he also won the MLS Golden Boot this season, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 29 goals.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-i-don-t-understand-didn-t-use-it-inter-miami-boss-slams-refereeing-lionel-messi-s-side-lose-nashville-mls-playoffs