Inter Miami has officially announced the hiring of Javier Mascherano as the new head coach, completing a deal to replace Gerardo Martino, who stepped down for personal reasons. The 40-year-old Argentine, who has been coaching Argentina's under-20 and Olympic teams, has signed a three-year contract and will begin his new role once his work paperwork is finalized.
Mascherano's Experience and Ambitious Vision
Mascherano’s appointment marks a new chapter for Inter Miami as the club looks to build on its success in Major League Soccer (MLS). Inter Miami’s managing owner, Jorge Mas, praised Mascherano’s vast experience both as a player on the world’s biggest stages and as a coach at the international youth level.
"This job requires somebody with the experience to be able to maximize our unique collection of talent from our global superstars to our homegrown players and young international prospects," Mas stated.
Mascherano, who played alongside Lionel Messi for both Barcelona and the Argentina national team, is set to reunite with Messi at Inter Miami. In addition to Messi, Mascherano will also be joining former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez, who are all expected to return for the 2025 season.
Mascherano’s Vision for Inter Miami
Mascherano expressed his enthusiasm for leading the club, describing the opportunity as "an honor and a privilege." He also emphasized the club's ambitious goals and state-of-the-art infrastructure. "I’m looking forward to working with the people at Inter Miami to help the club reach new heights and give the fans more unforgettable moments," he said.
Messi’s Input in the Hiring Process
Lionel Messi played a key role in the decision-making process regarding the hiring of the new coach. Mascherano’s familiarity with Messi and the other stars in the team is seen as a significant advantage. "I asked him, ‘What is important to you? And what do you think is important to get the best out of our roster?’" said Jorge Mas. "Without a doubt, a familiarity with Leo and the other stars is an advantage in every aspect."
Mascherano Inherits a Strong Team
Mascherano takes over a team that made history during the regular MLS season, setting league records with 74 points and a .765 winning percentage. However, despite these achievements, the team’s playoff run ended prematurely, as they were eliminated by Atlanta United in the first round.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, expressed his excitement about Mascherano’s arrival: "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."
A Challenging First Year for Mascherano
The upcoming 2025 season presents several challenges for Mascherano, especially as Messi’s future with the club remains uncertain beyond 2025. While Inter Miami hopes Messi will stay until 2026, they currently do not have a contract secured for that season. The 2025 campaign will also include a busy schedule with the regular MLS season, Leagues Cup, CONCACAF Champions Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, and a preseason tour with a match in Tampa, Florida, in February.
Mascherano, who represented Argentina in four World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018), brings a wealth of experience to his new role, and his leadership will be crucial in shaping the future of Inter Miami as they continue to evolve and aim for greater success in MLS and international competitions.
