In a stunning turn of events, sources have confirmed that Inter Miami is on the brink of appointing Argentine soccer legend Javier Mascherano as their new head coach for the 2025 Major League Soccer season. The former Barcelona defensive midfielder is set to fill the void left by the sudden departure of Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who cited personal reasons for his exit.
The news comes as a surprise to many, given Mascherano’s current role as manager of Argentina’s youth team. However, the allure of reuniting with his former teammate and global superstar Lionel Messi appears to have been too strong to resist. The duo spent eight remarkable seasons together at Barcelona, lifting an impressive five LaLiga titles and two Champions League trophies during their time at the Catalan club.
Inter Miami’s Swift Coaching Search
According to Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas, the club wasted no time in launching their search for a new head coach following Martino’s unexpected departure. Speaking at a news conference, Mas revealed that the process began a mere minute after his conversation with the outgoing coach on Saturday morning.
“Our coaching search started at 11:01,” Mas stated, emphasizing the urgency with which the club approached the situation.
The high-profile nature of the position attracted a wealth of talented candidates, with the club narrowing down their list to three finalists by Tuesday. The decision, made collectively by Mas, co-owner David Beckham, club president Raúl Sanllehi, and Jorge’s brother José Mas, was reached just two days later.
Messi’s Input in the Selection Process
Interestingly, Mas sought the input of none other than Lionel Messi himself in the selection process. The Inter Miami co-owner spoke with the Argentine superstar on Saturday, shortly after Messi’s own conversation with the departing Martino.
“I asked him what is important to you and what is important to get the best of our roster. How do we improve?” Mas revealed, highlighting the value placed on Messi’s opinion.
While Messi’s insights were taken into consideration, Mas emphasized that the final decision rested with the club’s leadership. “Leo gave me what I asked him, which is input. But that was his involvement and engagement with me,” he clarified.
Mascherano’s Impressive Resume
Javier Mascherano’s appointment as Inter Miami’s new head coach is not solely based on his connection to Messi. The 39-year-old boasts an impressive playing career, having represented Argentina in four World Cups and earning 147 caps for his country – the most by any Argentine player in history.
In addition to his success at Barcelona, Mascherano also enjoyed stints with Liverpool and West Ham United in the Premier League. His transition into coaching has been equally promising, leading Argentina’s U23s to the quarterfinals of the soccer competition at the Paris Olympic Games in August.
A New Era for Inter Miami
As Inter Miami prepares to embark on a new chapter under Javier Mascherano’s leadership, fans and pundits alike are eagerly anticipating the impact he will have on the team’s fortunes. With Lionel Messi spearheading the attack and Mascherano’s tactical acumen guiding the team from the sidelines, the Herons will be hoping to soar to new heights in the 2025 MLS season.
The club’s decision to appoint Mascherano is a clear indication of their ambition to compete at the highest level and build upon the foundation laid by Martino. The coming weeks and months will be crucial as Mascherano settles into his new role and begins shaping the team in his image.
For Inter Miami fans, the prospect of witnessing the reunion of Messi and Mascherano, this time in the roles of player and coach, is an enticing one. The pair’s shared history and understanding of the game could prove to be the catalyst for a new era of success in South Florida.
As the soccer world eagerly awaits official confirmation of Mascherano’s appointment, one thing is certain: Inter Miami is poised for an exciting future under the guidance of one of Argentina’s most respected soccer figures. With Messi leading the charge on the pitch and Mascherano pulling the strings from the dugout, the Herons are ready to spread their wings and soar to new heights in the MLS.
