Inter Miami hosted Mexican side Necaxa in a Leagues Cup clash at Chase Stadium, ultimately securing two points with a dramatic penalty shootout win. But despite the result, head coach Javier Mascherano didn’t hold back his frustration, aiming sharp criticism at the tournament following a controversial refereeing decision.
Superstar Lionel Messi exited early in the match with a muscle injury, but the night took another turn in the 17th minute. After a short pass from Marcelo Weigandt, defender Maximiliano Falcón shielded the ball while colliding with Necaxa striker Diber Cambindo. Referee Daniel Quintero Huitron shocked many by issuing a straight red card to Falcón without consulting VAR.
Inter Miami had taken the lead in the 12th minute but struggled while playing a man down. Necaxa took advantage and mounted a comeback, only for Jordi Alba to rescue the Herons with a stoppage-time equalizer in the 90+2 minute. Miami then prevailed in penalties, but Mascherano’s postgame comments made it clear he wasn’t celebrating.
When asked about his reaction to the match, Mascherano didn’t mince words: “The feeling from the match is completely bitter. It was a match we had under control, playing the first 15 minutes exactly as we had planned, dominating the game, we had taken the lead—on top of already losing Leo to injury—and then a foul that isn’t even a foul… What can I say? They end up screwing your match and potentially your qualification hopes, and you’re left feeling like a fool. That’s the reality.”
Mascherano criticized the referee further for failing to consult VAR before making the call. “A lot of this just doesn’t make sense. I don’t understand how he didn’t even go to the VAR to check it. At the very least, justify your decision—go check the VAR, at least… It is what it is. I don’t like talking too much, but I’m also not going to let them walk all over us. That’s my position,” he asserted.
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Mascherano questions referee nationality in international club matchup
In the Leagues Cup, referees from Mexico or the United States are often assigned to matches regardless of which clubs are playing. In this case, Mexican official Daniel Quintero Huitron was in charge of a game involving a Liga MX team, while American referee Filip Dujic officiated Columbus Crew’s 3-1 win against Puebla.
However, this idea doesn’t sit well with Mascherano, who didn’t hesitate to voice his disapproval. “It’s wrong… What do you think? Do you really think that’s OK? In no competition where two teams from different countries face each other should a referee from one of those countries be in charge.” he stated. “I don’t know how it works in this case, and honestly I’m not interested. You’re asking me what I think: it’s wrong,” he added
He then doubled down with a broader criticism of the tournament’s standards: “It’s wrong, because in every competition I’ve taken part in as a player—and in the short time I’ve been coaching—I’ve never had a referee from my own country or the opponent’s country officiate the match. This is the first time. It’s wrong. If they want to make this a serious competition, they need to change that, I’m sorry.”
