Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has sparked widespread discussion with his recent comments regarding Lionel Messi, Inter Miami, and the club’s current direction under Javier Mascherano. Rooney, known for his straightforward opinions both during and after his playing career, shared his concerns about the team’s future and offered a surprising suggestion for who he believes could guide them to success. Speaking about Messi, Rooney praised the Argentine star, calling him “a generational talent who continues to dominate even at this stage of his career,” but the former England captain warned that Messi’s brilliance alone would not be enough to bring the club the success its fans and owners expect.

Rooney specifically addressed the leadership of Javier Mascherano, who recently took over managerial duties for Inter Miami. While acknowledging Mascherano’s achievements as a player and his efforts to adapt as a coach, Rooney expressed doubts about whether the Argentine is the right fit for a team filled with superstars and lofty ambitions. “Mascherano was a warrior on the pitch, and I respect him for everything he’s done in football, but managing a team like Inter Miami, especially with someone like Messi in the squad, requires a very particular approach. This isn’t just about tactics; it’s about man-management and building a squad that can win in a league that is far more competitive than people give it credit for,” Rooney said.

The former Manchester United striker also pointed out that the Major League Soccer landscape is changing rapidly, with more clubs investing heavily in international talent, meaning Inter Miami cannot simply rely on Messi to carry the team through the season. “If Inter Miami want to truly dominate, they need a manager with the right mix of tactical flexibility, authority, and experience at the highest level,” Rooney explained. He then hinted that there is only one coach currently available who meets these requirements, a figure he believes could completely transform the club’s fortunes. “There is one man who can handle this job, and his name would surprise a lot of people. He’s not someone currently managing in MLS, but he understands how to handle big players, how to build a winning mentality, and most importantly, how to get the best out of Messi and the rest of the squad,” Rooney teased, without directly revealing the identity of the coach.

Rooney’s comments have fueled speculation among fans and media alike, with names ranging from former Premier League managers to high-profile European tacticians being thrown into the discussion. Some reports suggest Rooney could be hinting at a manager like Zinedine Zidane, who is currently unattached and has a history of working with top players at Real Madrid, while others believe he may be referring to someone with experience in American soccer who understands the unique structure of MLS.

Regardless of the mystery surrounding the name, Rooney’s message to Beckham and the Inter Miami board was clear: change is necessary if they wish to maximize Messi’s impact and fulfill their ambitious goals. “Inter Miami can’t afford to waste this window of opportunity. Messi is still performing at a level that can change games, but without the right coach to build the team around him, they risk falling short of what they could achieve. Beckham knows what it takes to win; now it’s time to make the right decision,” Rooney concluded.

His remarks have divided opinion, with some fans agreeing that Mascherano may not yet be ready for such a high-profile job, while others argue that Rooney is underestimating the Argentine’s potential as a manager. Regardless, his bold statements have put additional pressure on Inter Miami’s leadership to evaluate their long-term strategy and ensure that Messi’s time in Major League Soccer does not end as a missed opportunity.