Mascherano has been instrumental in los Albicelestes‘ passage to the final in Beijing, where they will face Nigeria this weekend in the gold-medal match.
If the South American giants conquer their African counterparts, it will be El Jefecito’s second Olympic triumph, having helped his country to the title in Athens four years ago.
The 24-year-old could have been denied the opportunity to defend his medal, thanks to the Court of Arbitration for Sport’s ruling that allowed clubs to withhold their players from Olympic duty.
But Benitez, while loath to start the season without his midfield bulldog, opted not to recall the former Corinthians man from China.
Mascherano is eternally grateful for his manager’s support, and he told the press: “If I win, I’ll especially dedicate my success to Rafa. He’s a very important person in my life. I hope to God I can take another gold to Liverpool.”
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