Jordi Alba has lengthy been certainly one of Lionel Messi’s most trusted companions, having performed alongside him for 9 years at FC Barcelona, and now these previous few years at Inter Miami. With the Herons making ready for the MLS Japanese Convention Last, the Spanish left again provided necessary recommendation to one of many workforce’s rising stars whereas additionally explaining the teen’s on-field chemistry with Messi.
Within the convention semifinals towards FC Cincinnati, Messi opened the scoring with a superb header in what turned a dominant 4–0 win at TQL Stadium. The cross that discovered the captain got here from Mateo Silvetti, who additionally linked with Messi on certainly one of his assists earlier than scoring his first purpose for Inter Miami.
Talking to reporters Wednesday, Alba was requested about Silvetti’s reference to Messi: “In my view, taking part in with Leo could be very simple as a result of he understands your qualities completely. Silvetti could be very quick, sturdy in one-on-one conditions, and has the power to attain. From that perspective, Leo provides him confidence — and Silvetti is aware of how you can learn what Leo goes to do in each second.“
Past praising his ability set, Alba additionally defined why the Silvetti-Messi pairing may be so beneficial for Miami. “That’s not simple, however he will get it, as a result of he is aware of how you can make the appropriate transfer on the proper time. And Leo at all times is aware of precisely when to provide the cross and when the hazard is about to reach. In that sense, he’ll have a good time with Leo,” he concluded.
Mateo Silvetti #24 of Inter Miami CF celebrating.
With Allen Obando struggling to remain match, Inter Miami turned to the summer season switch window to usher in Silvetti. Signed for a reported $4 million payment, the younger striker slowly earned minutes and belief below head coach Javier Mascherano.
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After a breakout run with Argentina on the U-20 World Cup, Silvetti returned to Miami and earned his first begin in Recreation 3 towards Nashville, stepping in for the suspended Luis Suárez and offering his first help to Messi. Now with one purpose and two assists in his previous two matches, the 19-year-old will look to increase his sturdy type and assist push Miami to the highest of MLS.
Will Silvetti begin towards New York Metropolis FC?
Forward of the match towards FC Cincinnati, eyebrows had been raised when Mascherano opted to bench star striker Luis Suárez in favor of Silvetti. The Argentine coach later defined the choice as a tactical transfer targeted on physicality, making Silvetti’s youth and power important for the beginning position.
The query now could be whether or not Mascherano will make the same determination towards New York Metropolis FC, Miami’s opponent Saturday within the Japanese Convention Last. Whereas it stays unclear, each Silvetti and Suárez are in rivalry to start out.
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The Herons and NYCFC met twice throughout the 2025 MLS season: the league opener resulted in a 2–2 draw, and their September matchup resulted in a 4–0 highway win for Miami. In that second match, Silvetti made his first begin, becoming a member of an assault that featured Suárez, Messi, and Baltasar Rodríguez, however with Tadeo Allende in excellent type (5 objectives in 4 playoff matches), Mascherano might have to regulate his lineup to suit all his in-form attackers on Saturday.
