Javier Alejandro Mascherano (born 8 June 1984 in San Lorenzo) is an Argentine footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Liverpool and captains the Argentine national team. Mascherano began his career in at River Plate. He earned his first senior honours in 2003 04, winning the Primera División Argentina. He also won an Olympic gold medal with Argentina in the Athens Games and finished runner up in the Copa América 2004. He moved to Brazilian side Corinthians in 2005, winning the Brazilian Série A in his first season. Mascherano moved to Europe, signing for Premier League side West Ham United. However, unusual contract terms with Media Sports Investments blighted his brief time at the club and at the beginning of 2007 he joined Liverpool on loan. He was runner up in the UEFA Champions League in his first season on Merseyside and again finished runner up in the Copa América with Argentina. He officially signed for Liverpool in February 2008 for Pds. 18.6 million, parting ways with Media Sports Investments.