Mascherano opens up on leaving playing days behind

Speaking after his side's 4-1 victory over the New York Red Bulls on Saturday, the Argentinian coach offered an honest reflection on his transition from the pitch to the dugout.

"I don't miss playing at all. I understood — and it was a process even before I decided to retire — that, at some point, the footballer in you has to die," Mascherano told reporters in the post-match press conference.

"I've come to terms with it, although I always tell players who are in the final stage of their careers. There's nothing like being a footballer. Being a coach just isn't the same. Even if you're on the bench and right there on the touchline, it's not you on the ball anymore. As a player, you make the decisions. As a manager, you suggest, you try to convince — but the ball is no longer at your feet."

The result brought much-needed relief for Inter Miami, who had lost their previous three matches and were recently eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Saturday's win saw both Luis Suarez and Lionel Messi find the net, with Suarez ending a nine-game goal drought.

"We're happy for Luis," said Mascherano. "Strikers live for goals, and this will be massive for his confidence. Hopefully, it's the start of a good run."