Javier Mascherano Interview: El Clásico, Life as a Coach, and His All-Time Barcelona XI

Hard Rock Bet recently caught up with former Liverpool, Barcelona, and Argentina star Javier Mascherano to discuss his career on the pitch and in the dugout. From the intensity of El Clásico to leading Inter Miami to the 2025 MLS Cup title, Mascherano reflected on his journey from player to coach, shared his Champions League predictions, and named his all-time Barcelona XI.

Which club do you see winning the Champions League in 2027, and why?

Well, it’s hard for me to say which team could win the Champions League as of today, but I think Barcelona is one of the top contenders to do it, because they have a great team, they’re playing at a high level, and in recent seasons they’ve come close to reaching a final, so hopefully it can happen for them this year.

El Clásico is one of the most important fixtures in sports. What were those match days like as a player?

El Clásico is clearly one of the most important matches you can play as a footballer, and, well, it was a day you live with a lot of intensity, a lot of anxiety and nerves.

What’s your best starting 11 for Barcelona of all time?

Barcelona’s best all-time 11… Well, I think… let’s say, off the top of my head:

• Goalkeeper Víctor Valdés
• Dani Alves
• Gerard Piqué
• Puyol
• Jordi Alba
• Sergio Busquets
• Xavi
• Iniesta
• Messi
• Ronaldo Nazário
• Stoichkov

Sorry, Ronaldinho.

Which club is going to win the Premier League this year, and why?

Well, I hope Liverpool wins it, but I think it’s going to be harder, so I think this year the Premier League winner will be either Manchester City or Arsenal. I think they’re the two strongest teams, the two that have started the league best, and I think they’re the two that will stay consistent.

How was the transition from player to coach? What was your approach to managing players you had previously shared the field with?

Well, the transition from player to coach was pretty natural in my case, and pretty quick, and the truth is I really enjoyed being able to manage, coach or support former teammates. Honestly, for me it was a privilege to share the field with them again, from a different role.

Game: Which country has the best – Spain, Argentina or the United States?

Best food

Argentina, no doubt.

Best national soccer team

Argentina

Best weather

Spain. Spain has good weather.

Best soccer fans

Argentina, without a doubt.

Best music

I really like my country’s rock, so Argentina.

Best soccer academies

I think when it comes to everything soccer, and especially youth soccer, Argentina is a very competitive place.

Best beaches

Spain

Best soccer stadiums

Well, during this World Cup I got to travel around a lot more, and the United States has very good stadiums

You know what it feels like to retire from your country’s national team after so many years and different stages. What was it like for you to watch Messi, who you shared that journey with for so many years, reach the end of his international career?

Well, I think it’s something natural with the passing of time. Obviously, for all Argentines it’s something, or it was, very special, because we’re talking about the best player in our country’s history, and possibly the best player in the history of soccer. So it was, I think it was a day full of emotion. But above all, I think everyone was able to say goodbye to him in the best way, and above all, he was able to say goodbye having fulfilled all his dreams, which in the end is what matters most.

So honestly, it’s going to be strange not to see him with the Argentina national team anymore, because it was so many years, and well, we’ll have to get used to it. It won’t be easy for our national team, for our country, but above all, I think he closed out his career with the national team in the best possible way.

When you think back on your time with the Argentina national team alongside Messi, what’s your favorite memory or story that comes to mind?

Well, in my time with the Argentina national team, I went through good times and bad times, and the truth is that, in the end, I look back on it with joy, especially because I got to live out so many dreams I’d had since I was a kid.

You were recently Inter Miami’s coach. How was the experience, and did you enjoy working with David Beckham?

The experience was very good. The truth is, I got to know the club and the MLS much better from the inside, and honestly, David is a great person, and I always felt very, very comfortable at work. Honestly, it was very easy, and I really enjoyed it.

Who was your favorite coach as a player, and why?

It’s hard to pick just one coach, because I’ve had very good coaches. If I have to choose one, it’s Guardiola, for everything he taught me, but above all for everything he’s given to soccer all these years, you know? I think he’s a coach who changed the way people see soccer.

How was the experience of coaching in the MLS compared to your career as a player?

Well, clearly, being a coach and being a player are different, and honestly, the experience was very, very good, especially because we had the chance to become champions and really enjoy it.

Who were the three best players you played with during your career?

Well, I was lucky enough to play with so many great players, from obviously Leo Messi to other players like Carlos Tevez, Higuaín, Agüero, Di María, and also others who aren’t Argentine, like Xavi, Iniesta, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso and Fernando Torres, who have been extraordinary players.

Choosing only players you’ve played with, what’s your Dream Five-a-Side team?

Tough one. Five? No, no, no, five players… goalkeeper I’ve played with, possibly, well, Víctor Valdés; a defender, Gerard Piqué; a midfielder, Busquets; a forward, clearly, Leo Messi; and I’m missing one, right? And well, another midfielder, Steven Gerrard.

Erling Haaland has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, while Bayern Munich is also interested. Do you expect Haaland to stay at City after this season?

I hope Haaland does whatever he wants. Honestly? I congratulate him.