New Delhi: According to multiple reports, Inter Miami is close to announcing Javier Mascherano as their next head coach. This move would reunite Lionel Messi with his former Barcelona and Argentina teammates, adding another layer of familiarity for the World Cup-winning captain at the Florida-based club.
Mascherano, currently Argentina’s Under-20 coach, is reportedly the frontrunner to succeed Gerardo Martino, who stepped down for personal reasons following the team’s successful 2024 MLS campaign.
Club co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed Messi was consulted in the decision-making process, emphasising the importance of comfort and familiarity. “I asked Leo what’s important to him and how we can improve,” Mas said in a press conference, adding that Messi’s input has been vital to ensuring the next coach fits the team’s vision.
✍🏻🇦🇷 Javier Mascherano will be officially announced as new Inter Miami manager in the upcoming days.
All documents are in place, three year deal for Mascherano who’s gonna work with Messi again.
Diego Placente replaces Mascherano as Argentina U20 head coach. pic.twitter.com/2c0milHvSF
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 23, 2024
Mascherano brings years of experience and a shared history with Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez, all former Barcelona stars now at Inter Miami. As part of Barcelona’s golden era, Mascherano and Messi won numerous titles, including two UEFA Champions Leagues.
Their partnership extended to the Argentina national team, where they reached three consecutive finals between 2014 and 2016, capped by their Copa América win in 2021.
With Mascherano’s potential appointment, Inter Miami aims to continue their attacking, possession-based football introduced during Martino’s tenure. Under Martino, the club clinched the Leagues Cup and dominated the 2024 regular season, earning a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Reports suggest Mascherano has agreed to a three-year deal and is expected to be announced in the coming days. Diego Placente is set to replace him as Argentina’s U-20 coach. For Messi, the familiarity with his former teammate and the shared understanding of their footballing philosophy could be key to maintaining Inter Miami’s momentum on and off the pitch.
Inter Miami’s co-owner confirms Messi was consulted, as former teammate emerges as the favourite to replace Gerardo Martino. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
