New Delhi: A new era dawns for Inter Miami as the club announced a legendary appointment on Tuesday. Javier Mascherano, the former Barcelona icon who will take the reins as the team’s new head coach, reuniting with his old teammate Lionel Messi. Mascherano will replace Gerardo Martino who stood down last week due to ‘personal reasons’.
The 40-year-old has played for River Plate, Corinthians, Liverpool, and Barcelona where he graced the pitch alongside Messi and the national team. He has most recently managed Argentina’s U-20 and Olympic teams and has signed a deal until the 2027 MLS season.
Welcome, Boss 🇦🇷✍️
Argentina and FC Barcelona legend Javier @Mascherano has been named as our new head coach! Welcome to the Miami dream 🩷🖤.
More details: pic.twitter.com/Boc6Ix32yC
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 26, 2024
Mascherano made 203 appearances for Barcelona and as well as playing alongside Messi he was a teammate of other current Inter Miami players Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. He is also familiar with a number of Miami’s young players having worked with them during Argentina’s youth national teams. The list includes- Tomás Avilés, Benjamin Cremaschi, Facundo Farías, and Federico Redondo.
Co-owner David Beckham expressed his confidence in Mascherano’s capabilities, saying, “Throughout his career as one of the world’s best players and as an experienced coach, Javier has always demonstrated what makes him great – relentless determination with the knowledge, instincts, and understanding to back it up.”
Inter Miami will be his first experience in club football management. While praising the club’s ambition and infrastructure The Little Boss said, “To be able to lead a club like Inter Miami is an honor for me, and a privilege I will strive to make the most of.”
🗣️🗣️🗣️ pic.twitter.com/AmytChNsvj
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 26, 2024
What next for Miami?
Mascherano’s appointment was the third coaching move in MLS. The full coaching staff will be announced at a later date. Inter Miami topped the MLS regular season and won the Supporters’ Shield with a record 74 points in 34 matches but were knocked out of the playoffs earlier this month after a home defeat to local rivals New York Red Bulls.
Miami also have roaster moves to figure out before the start of the 2025 season. Brighton-bound Diego Gomez is definitely departing while there are also questions about Luis Suarez’s future.
While Mascherano’s hiring aligns with Miami’s vision of blending experience with youth, only time will tell if ‘The Little Boss’ can lead the club to sustained success.
Comments are closed.