Lionel Messi’s ex-teammate Javier Mascherano is reportedly on the verge of becoming the head coach for Inter Miami, stepping in to fill the role left vacant by Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who resigned for personal reasons. Sources indicate that Mascherano has emerged as the leading candidate for the position, according to an individual who requested anonymity due to the lack of an official announcement from the club.
Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas revealed that the team had narrowed down their choices to three finalists and made a decision on Wednesday. However, he did not confirm whether Mascherano has officially secured the position or if he was indeed the final choice.
“We are very near the end of the process,” Mas stated. “We will be announcing a new coach for Inter Miami in the upcoming days.”
Messi and Mascherano share a rich history as teammates, both for the Argentina national team and at FC Barcelona. During his time at Barcelona, Mascherano played alongside current Inter Miami stars Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez. Notably, Mascherano once held the record for the most international appearances for Argentina, a record that Messi has since surpassed.
Mas also mentioned that he had a conversation with Messi last week regarding the coaching search. It remains unclear whether Messi had any influence in bringing Mascherano on board, as he is currently serving as the head coach for Argentina’s U-20 national team.
“This is an extremely attractive position for a coach,” Mas emphasized.
Martino led Inter Miami to achieve the best regular season record in Major League Soccer history during his tenure. He was appointed in July 2023, coinciding with Messi’s debut for the franchise, and announced on Friday that he would be stepping down for personal reasons.
During Martino’s leadership, Inter Miami not only won the 2023 Leagues Cup but also claimed the MLS Supporters Shield. However, the team faced disappointment in the MLS Cup playoffs, being eliminated in the first round. The upcoming 2025 season is set to kick off with training camp in January.
Martino’s connection with Messi runs deep, having coached him both at Barcelona and the Argentina national team before their reunion in South Florida. He revealed that he made the decision to depart just before the playoffs began.
“Needless to say, we’ve enjoyed it a lot and I’m grateful for the opportunity, on behalf of my entire coaching staff, to have been able to work at this club,” Martino expressed during his farewell news conference. “The truth is that it’s been very captivating because being part of the change during this year and a half.”
Under Martino’s guidance, Inter Miami posted a record of 26 wins, 9 losses, and 12 draws in regular-season MLS matches.
At 40 years old, Mascherano has an impressive background, having played five seasons in the Premier League, primarily with Liverpool. He also represented Argentina in four World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018.
