Inter Miami manager Javier Mascherano has praised Telasco Segovia for his remarkable ability to settle quickly into the team since joining in January 2025. The Venezuelan midfielder, only 22 years old, has impressed with his versatility and intelligence on the pitch, prompting comparisons to football legends Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets.
Segovia has demonstrated flexibility by performing in various midfield roles including both wings, the number ten, and as a number eight. In his 24 appearances so far for the Major League Soccer club, he has contributed four goals and three assists. Mascherano, a former Barcelona and Liverpool midfielder, highlighted Segovia’s strong character as a key factor in his smooth integration into a star-studded squad.
“The way he’s settled quickly, his character on the pitch, because it’s not easy. Often, you come into a team, and there are certain star players, to come in and do so in the right way and not need time, and he did it based on his character.”
—Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami Manager
The coach also emphasized Segovia’s exceptional understanding of the game:
“Because he understands the game, in a similar way to how Sergio Busquets understands it, to the way Lionel Messi understands it. So, in that regard, it’s very easy for him.”
—Javier Mascherano, Inter Miami Manager
Before joining Inter Miami, Segovia played for Deportivo Lara in Venezuela, Sampdoria in Italy, and Casa Pia in Portugal. He has earned 10 international caps with Venezuela, netting one goal for the national team.
Maximiliano Falcon reflects on joining Inter Miami to grow alongside Lionel Messi
Inter Miami’s defender Maximiliano Falcon recently spoke about his choice to leave Chilean club Colo-Colo and join Inter Miami on February 1, 2025. The 28-year-old Uruguayan center-back has now made 17 appearances and scored once for the MLS side.
During an interview with El Pais, Falcon explained that moving to Inter Miami was motivated by a desire to learn from some of the best footballers in the world, including Lionel Messi. He said:
“I had earned an important place there (Colo-Colo) but I preferred to come here [Inter Miami] to learn from people who have won everything.”
—Maximiliano Falcon, Inter Miami Defender
Discussing Messi, Falcon expressed admiration for the superstar’s achievements and character:
“He’s a normal person like us, but it’s shocking to see him because for me, he’s the best player of all time. I enjoy being next to him and I think: ‘This guy has almost 900 goals, he’s a world champion and he has eight Ballon d’Or; it’s crazy.'”
—Maximiliano Falcon, Inter Miami Defender
Falcon further shared a lighthearted exchange with Messi and Luis Suárez, illustrating Messi’s humble personality:
“I told him, ‘You are world champion and you have eight Ballon d’Or, but I won the Copa de Chile with Colo-Colo and you don’t, ha.’ Leo started laughing along with Luis Suárez and replied, ‘No, I don’t have that one, ha.’ That speaks of his simplicity, and both he and Luis have behaved super well as the entire Inter Miami squad.'”
—Maximiliano Falcon, Inter Miami Defender
Falcon has so far appeared alongside Messi in 15 matches, although they are yet to assist each other for a goal.
Significance of Segovia’s emergence and Inter Miami’s evolving squad
Telasco Segovia’s swift rise and adaptability at Inter Miami highlight the club’s growing depth and strategic recruitment aimed at blending young talent with seasoned stars like Lionel Messi. Mascherano’s comparisons to Messi and Busquets underline the promising potential within Segovia’s game intelligence and character.
Meanwhile, Falcon’s decision to join the team to develop alongside world-class players reflects Inter Miami’s appeal as a destination for ambitious footballers seeking to learn and grow. As the MLS season progresses, contributions from emerging players like Segovia and experienced teammates such as Falcon will be crucial for the club’s ambitions.
Inter Miami continues to build a balanced and competitive squad, combining youthful versatility and veteran leadership, which may bode well for the team’s future success in domestic and international competitions.