Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has lavished praise on Lionel Messi after the Argentine forward made Major League Soccer history with his fifth consecutive brace in league play.

Messi scored both goals in Miami’s 2-1 victory over Nashville SC at Chase Stadium, extending his tally to 10 goals in his last five matches and becoming the first player in MLS history to score at least twice in five straight games.

Speaking after the match, Mascherano, who played with Messi during his prime years for Argentina, described his former teammate as “unbelievable.”

“Now he’s breaking records every three days,” Mascherano said. “He’s the flag bearer of this team, our leader, and he sets the standard for how we compete. It’s a blessing to witness this stage of his career.”

Mascherano also revealed that the club is monitoring Messi’s physical load closely and may consider rest in upcoming fixtures.

The coach further addressed concerns over Luis Suárez’s form, with the Uruguayan forward now goalless in three consecutive league games.

“It’s not right to question a player who has scored over 500 goals in his career,” Mascherano said.

“Football moves quickly. He was a hero two weeks ago. We trust his quality and we’ll manage his minutes carefully.”

Messi’s first goal against Nashville came from a free-kick, his 69th career free-kick goal, leaving him just nine behind all-time leader Marcelinho Carioca (78).

Roberto Dinamite (74) and Juninho Pernambucano (72) remain ahead in the all-time rankings.

Inter Miami travel to FC Cincinnati on Wednesday as they aim for a sixth straight MLS victory and continue their push toward the Eastern Conference summit.