Tata Martino is out as Inter Miami head coach, having departed the MLS club for personal reasons following a surprising loss to Atlanta United in the MLS Cup playoffs’ first round. This news was first reported by GiveMeSport, marking a significant change for the franchise.
As the 2024 season commenced, Inter Miami was positioned as a frontrunner for the MLS Cup, largely due to the presence of Lionel Messi, who joined the team in July 2023. Alongside Messi, the roster featured renowned players like Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez, as well as emerging talent such as Benjamin Cremaschi, creating a blend of experience and youth.
The regular season proved fruitful, with Inter Miami clinching the Supporter’s Shield by amassing an impressive 74 points, setting an MLS record. However, their playoff journey ended abruptly in early November against an Atlanta United team that had a modest 40-point finish in the regular season, leaving fans and analysts alike in disbelief.
Martino was considered an excellent choice for leading the Miami squad, not just because of his connection to Messi—both hail from Rosario, Argentina—but also due to his successful track record in MLS, including guiding Atlanta to the 2018 MLS Cup title in their third season. His departure raises questions about the future direction of the team.
Plans for a news conference involving Martino and team officials are tentatively scheduled for Friday. Following their early exit from the playoffs, Inter Miami will not reconvene for training camp until January, marking a period of reflection and potential restructuring for the organization.
