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'We needed someone like him' - Inter Miami's Javier Mascherano celebrates Rodrigo De Paul's debut, downplays post-match tension with Atlas FC following 2-1 win

Leagues Cup

Orlando City

Atlas

Inter Miami CF

Necaxa

Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano finally got to see Rodrigo De Paul in action as the Argentine made his club debut against Atlas FC in a 2-1 Leagues Cup opener win. Mascherano believes that while the midfielder has strong technical ability, his energy shown throughout the match is pivotal for The Herons. "Incredibly, he hadn’t played in a month and still put in a great performance. We needed someone like him - who leads not just by playing well, but through his presence. He brings that contagious energy," Mascherano said. The manager also dismissed any notion of bad intentions in Inter Miami’s dramatic 2-1 win over Atlas, which ended with heated exchanges between players after Marcelo Weigandt scored the game-winner in the final second."We did everything we could to overcome the opponent. The celebration was more of a release after a match that could’ve slipped away despite our solid performance," Mascherano explained after Atlas manager Gonzalo Pineda criticized Miami’s reaction. "We celebrated, but not excessively. We play to win."The Argentine coach acknowledged the match was intense between the MLS and Liga MX sides. "We knew it would be a tough, uncomfortable game. In the first half, we struggled in midfield and lost a few balls that made us vulnerable. But overall, I liked what the team did," he said.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Led by a brilliant Lionel Messi, Inter Miami secured <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/inter-miami-player-ratings-vs-atlas-lionel-messi-herons-to-leagues-cup-rodrigo-de-paul-debut/blt92e31bb8f2273eab" target="_self">all three points in their Leagues Cup opener.</a> The Argentine star provided two assists - first to Telasco Segovia in the 57th minute, and later delivering a dream pass to Weigandt for a last-minute winner.After the match, Javier Mascherano made it clear they’re not in the tournament for a vacation. “Messi eats at another table. As for Rodrigo De Paul, we have to analyze why he came - it was surely a decision supported by his coach. The rest of us are here to help them finish the season strong and start the next one well, if I’m still here,” he said.Regarding Luis Suárez’s goal drought, Mascherano said the Uruguayan striker has been unlucky. with the 38-year-old in a eight-game goal drought in MLS action. He does lead the team in assists, though, with 10 on the season so far. “ [He] has been unlucky - some shots went over, another was saved by the goalkeeper. But he gives us so much more. Defensively, he puts in a huge effort. Luis is the first one who wants to score goals, but for us, everything else he contributes is also very important, and we want to help him find the back of the net," Mascherano insisted.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

In the post-match press conference, Atlas head coach Gonzalo Pineda criticized the way Inter Miami celebrated their last-gasp 2-1 win, specifically pointing to Messi’s reaction."I was surprised by Messi's celebration style," Pineda said. "It shows the importance of the match to him, despite everything he has achieved in his career."His comments came after tensions flared between players at full time.

WHAT GONZALO PINEDA SAID

The Herons will face Necaxa this Saturday, after the Mexican side defeated Atlanta United 3-1.

WHAT NEXT FOR INTER MIAMI?

'We needed someone like him' - Inter Miami's Javier Mascherano celebrates Rodrigo De Paul's debut, downplays post-match tension with Atlas FC following 2-1 win | Goal.com

The Herons earned their first win thanks to a last-minute goal from Marcelo Weigandt.

&apos;We needed someone like him&apos; - Inter Miami&apos;s Javier Mascherano celebrates Rodrigo De Paul&apos;s debut, downplays post-match tension with Atlas FC following 2-1 win

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