An Argentine will once again coach Lionel Messi. According to reports from Argentina, Javier Mascherano is set to be appointed as the next head coach of Inter Miami CF. The 40-year-old will become the successor of former Argentine national team coach Gerardo Martino, who surprisingly was eliminated from the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs and announced his resignation for personal reasons earlier this week.
Mascherano is currently in charge of Argentina’s U20 and coached the Olympic Team this summer. According to a report by the Argentine outlet Olé, Mascherano has already received permission from the Argentine Football Federation to leave for Inter Miami. Argentine television stations TyCSports and César Luis Merlo, as well as The Athletic, also reported that a deal was close to being completed.
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The 40-year-old wrapped up his professional career four years ago at Estudiantes La Plate. But Mascherano played the most games, 334, in Barcelona, where he was Messi’s teammate. With no other player, Mascherano played more often than Messi, including with the national team; they shared the pitch 414 times. Mascherano ended his international career (147 games) after Argentine’s exit from the 2018 World Cup.
Martino: “I depart with nothing but gratitude”
Miami exited the playoffs after losing two games against Atlanta United despite breaking a regular season record with 74 points. Martino was reunited with Messi, who he previously coached at Barcelona and the national team in 2023. But following the playoff exit, Martino announced his surprise resignation. “It has been an honor to work at such a special club and to lead such a special team,” Martino said. “I’ve enjoyed my stay at Inter Miami and will treasure the memories made and relationships forged here for the rest of my life. I depart with nothing but gratitude for my time here and would like to offer sincere thanks to everyone who made it possible.”
