Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano says the MLS Cup holders will not be distracted after Lionel Messi played a huge part in shattering another record.

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi helped DC United draw a crowd of 72,026 to their M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, breaking by almost 15,000 a home attendance record for the club that had stood since 1997 and entering the top 10 crowds for a standalone MLS match.

“We don’t usually pay too much attention to it – perhaps because we have already normalised everything Leo generates,” said Mascherano, whose side won 2-1 with the help of Messi’s 899th career goal for their second victory of the week following a 4-2 triumph at Orlando City on Monday.

“Our self-discipline is much more important than what might come from outside. We demand a lot of ourselves, and that’s why we compete game to game.”

What impact has Lionel Messi had in the MLS?

United moved the game to the home of NFL team the Baltimore Ravens to meet demand to see sporting icon Messi and his teammates.

After fellow Argentina international Rodrigo De Paul put Miami ahead, Messi struck before half-time to ensure Tai Baribo’s reply 15 minutes from time was inconsequential.

Since joining Miami in 2023, Messi has won the MLS Most Valuable Player award twice and drawn astonishing crowds to games.

Almost 73,000 attended a win over Sporting Kansas City in April 2024, followed by more than 65,000 watching a victory over the New England Revolution, breaking a record for the hosts that had stood since 2002.

In their opening match of this season last month, almost 76,000 fans watched Miami lose 3-0 to LAFC at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, representing the second-highest MLS attendance ever.

“Everything that’s happening in terms of filling stadiums and football becoming much more popular here in the United States is wonderful,” said former Argentina midfielder Mascherano.

“Leo’s arrival has been a determining factor in that. I don’t think it will change us. We have very high-caliber players who are used to playing in big stadiums, so they know how to handle it very well.”

What’s next for Lionel Messi and Inter Miami? Fixtures, schedule

Inter Miami are next in action at Nashville in the Concacaf Champions Cup on Wednesday, followed by a trip to Charlotte in the MLS.

“At some point, we’ll have to start managing the players’ minutes,” reasoned Mascherano. “Playing every three days is a big strain – especially during this first part of the season, when we are always playing away [while Miami wait to move into a new stadium].”

They are fourth on six points, with only New York City and Nashville – both on seven points – taking more from the first three matches.