Lionel Messi has welcomed a new coach to Inter Miami, as former Argentina and Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano takes the helm of the team for the 2025 season. This significant announcement was made by the club on Tuesday, following the departure of Tata Martino, who officially stepped away from his role last Friday after a disappointing playoff exit.
Javier Mascherano, who recently served as the manager of the Argentina U23 team, will reunite with Messi, with whom he shared a successful and dynamic partnership during their years together at FC Barcelona from 2010 to 2018. The duo also represented the Argentine national team, showcasing their exceptional talents and contributing to the country’s football legacy.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Mascherano guided La Albiceleste but faced challenges, leading to a disappointing quarterfinal exit. The team, which included Miami’s Federico Redondo, was subjected to intense scrutiny after they failed to meet the high expectations placed upon them. A narrow 1-0 defeat against the eventual champions, France, was particularly frustrating, especially since the team had finished second in the Group Stage behind Morocco, a surprising result that forced them into a challenging knockout round against a formidable opponent.
Martino’s departure from Inter Miami follows a tumultuous playoff campaign that ended in a shocking upset, as the team was eliminated in the first round by Atlanta United in a best-of-three series. Having enjoyed a record-breaking regular season by winning the Supporters’ Shield, expectations were sky-high for a successful postseason. However, the team’s early exit after such a strong start left fans and management alike deeply disappointed.
Now, Mascherano faces the exciting task of leading Inter Miami to its first-ever MLS Cup. This position marks his first senior role at the club level, and he will be tasked with managing a talented roster filled with veteran players, including Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. The situation surrounding Luis Suarez adds further intrigue, as he finds himself in a contract dispute with the club. Mascherano’s influence will likely be pivotal in determining whether Suarez remains part of the team moving forward.
“I am truly honored to take on the responsibility of leading a club like Inter Miami,” Mascherano expressed. “It’s a privilege that I fully intend to embrace. The organization’s strong ambition and solid infrastructure captivated me, and I am eager to work closely with the dedicated individuals at Inter Miami to help the club achieve new milestones and create unforgettable memories for our fans.”
Mascherano was also a vital member of Argentina’s squad during the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where the team made a remarkable run to the final. Despite ultimately losing to France and their star forward Kylian Mbappe, Mascherano cemented his legacy by becoming the most-capped player in Argentine history at that time, with 147 appearances, a record later surpassed by Messi, who has amassed 191 caps.
Through his illustrious career, Mascherano developed a reputation as a determined and passionate player, enjoying substantial success during his eight years at Barcelona. His contributions helped secure numerous titles for the club, including two UEFA Champions League trophies in 2011 and 2015, as well as multiple La Liga championships, alongside an impressive collection of domestic and international accolades.
As the 2025 season approaches, Inter Miami finds itself at a crossroads with significant roster decisions to be made. The uncertainty surrounding Suarez’s contract situation will require thoughtful consideration, and Mascherano’s leadership will be essential in crafting the team’s future direction. The excitement surrounding this new chapter promises to engage both the players and their devoted fans as they embark on a quest for success in Major League Soccer.
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