Javier Mascherano is set to become the new head coach of Inter Miami in the upcoming days as the two parties finalize contract negotiations, sources have confirmed to ESPN.
Argentina U23 manager Javier Mascherano is reportedly on the verge of joining Lionel Messi at Inter Miami as their new head coach after Tata Martino officially announced on Friday that he would be stepping down from the role. This represents a significant shift for the club as they aim to enhance their competitive edge in Major League Soccer (MLS).
Mascherano, who enjoyed a successful playing career, particularly during his time at Barcelona from 2010 to 2018, brings a wealth of experience to the managerial position. He played alongside Messi at the Catalan club and has been a part of the Argentina national team setup, contributing to their campaigns until his retirement in 2018. His deep connection with Messi and the club’s star players will likely foster a strong team dynamic right from the start.
Cesar Luis Merlo was the first to report that Mascherano was Miami’s choice to replace Martino. ESPN later confirmed the reports, signaling that both parties are close to finalizing contract negotiations, which has created a wave of anticipation among fans and pundits alike.
Mascherano recently led La Albiceleste at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where his squad – which included Inter Miami’s Federico Redondo – faced expectations to perform well. However, they were met with disappointment, exiting the tournament in the quarterfinals after a narrow 1-0 defeat to France, the eventual champions. This loss was magnified by the scrutiny he faced for his team’s underperformance, particularly after finishing second in the Group Stage behind Morocco when many considered them strong contenders. This experience may serve as important learning in his new role, as he looks to avoid similar pitfalls in the MLS.
Meanwhile, Martino’s departure comes after the Herons suffered a staggering upset in the 2024 playoffs, losing to Atlanta United in the first round of the best-of-three series. Expectations were sky-high after Inter Miami claimed the Supporters’ Shield, establishing a league points record for the regular season. Fans hoped for a successful postseason run; however, the early exit brought disappointment, further motivating the organization’s desire for a shift in leadership.
If hired officially, Mascherano will be tasked with leading the club to its first-ever MLS Cup, a formidable challenge considering it will be his first senior position at the club level. This new adventure will see him managing a roster that includes not only Messi but also his former teammates, such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who collectively have immense experience and skill. Furthermore, there is an ongoing uncertainty regarding Luis Suarez’s contract situation with the club, and Mascherano’s influence could play a critical role in whether or not the celebrated striker re-signs.
Inter Miami’s coaching search began on November 16, as noted by managing owner Jorge Mas, who disclosed that Martino informed him of his decision to depart the previous week. This pivotal moment in the franchise’s history underscores the importance of making the right coaching choice, setting the stage for the club’s future ambitions in the competitive landscape of MLS.
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