They say lightning never strikes the same place twice, but in Major League Soccer, history has a peculiar way of repeating itself. Just ask Matt Turner. The USMNT goalkeeper, now with Crystal Palace, is all too familiar with the pain of playoff disappointment. During a recent press conference, Turner and fellow former MLS star Ricardo Pepi couldn’t help but notice the striking similarities between their record-setting 2021 New England Revolution team and the current struggles of Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

For Messi and Miami, a record-breaking season ended not with celebration but with the all-too-familiar sting of a first-round playoff exit. “Winning a Supporters’ Shield feels almost like a curse right now in MLS,” Turner joked, reflecting on Miami’s shocking elimination in the opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs.

Turner’s comments were steeped in experience. In 2021, his Revolution team set the MLS regular-season record with 73 points, only to be knocked out in their playoff debut. Fast forward to 2024, and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami appeared poised for success after surpassing that record with 74 points. Yet, like New England, they fell prey to the unpredictability of postseason soccer.

For Pepi, now flourishing at PSV Eindhoven, the connections between his teammate’s experience and Inter Miami’s exit were hard to overlook. “I just think it’s crazy with what happened with Miami,” Pepi said. “They were winning the whole thing, and then all of a sudden, first round, they’re eliminated.”

For Turner, now watching from across the Atlantic, it was a deja vu moment that added another layer to MLS’s reputation for playoff unpredictability. As he reflects on Lionel Messi’s playoff heartbreak, a larger question emerges: how does Messi’s brilliance compare to Zlatan’s swagger in MLS? Two legends, two eras, one transformative legacy.

Javier Mascherano expected to become Inter Miami’s new manager

In soccer, as in life, transitions often come with the weight of expectation. For Inter Miami, that moment has arrived as they search for a manager to replace Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, the man who elevated the club to global prominence. Enter Javier Mascherano, a name whispered with reverence and anticipation. Could the Argentine legend be the one to lead Miami next season?

Martino’s tenure, though brief, left an indelible mark. From winning the League’s Cup to claiming the Supporters’ Shield, Tata transformed Inter Miami into a force to be reckoned with in MLS. Yet, the journey ended with a playoff stumble and Martino’s personal decision to step down, leaving fans and analysts wondering who could possibly fill his shoes.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas also said, “I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new coach. Familiarity with Leo and the other stars is an advantage in every aspect.” As a former teammate of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba at Barcelona, Mascherano has a deep connection. It’s a bond forged not just in shared jerseys but shared philosophies—a key factor for a club built around superstar chemistry.

Mascherano has very little experience as a manager, but his run with Argentina’s U-20 team showcased his ability to develop young talent, which could be essential to filling out Miami’s roster. Furthermore, his background in Barcelona’s high-pressing, possession-oriented approach fits perfectly with Inter Miami’s attacking style.

Reliable sources like Fabrizio Romano confirm the deal is nearly done, with Mascherano’s official appointment expected in days. With challenges ahead—including the CONCACAF Champions Cup and Club World Cup—Inter Miami is betting on Mascherano to turn the page and write the next chapter of their story. Only time will tell if he’s the author of their next triumph.