Leo Messi has a new coach: Javier Mascherano to coach Inter Miami

Tthere is white smoke inside InterMiami after the disappointing elimination from the 2024 MLS playoffs in the first round. European football insider Fabrizio Romano, citing several reports in the Argentine press, confirmed that after the departure of Gerard Martino as head coach, the man chosen to take over is Javier Mascheranoa former teammate of Lionel Messi and part of the Barcelona core which now plays for Las Garzas.

Martino made his resignation from the club official this week, after the surprising failure of his management of the club, as they failed to assert their status as favorites to win the title. MLS Cup, after winning the Supporters' Shield as the team that scored the most points during the regular season. However, they fell short in their first round playoff series against lowly Atlanta United.

Since the elimination, names began to be considered for possible replacement of Martino in the post: Xavi Hernándezwhich comes from a project with ups and downs to Barcelonabut who won La Liga in 2022-23, as well as a brief stint in Arab football with Al-Sadd, as well as Javier Mascherano, who already started his coaching career with the Argentina U20 national team.

The intention of the board of directors led by Jorge Mas and David Beckham is to continue strengthening the spine with veterans with Blaugrana history, including Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba And Luis Suarez. What better addition than a coach trained in the same playing philosophy implemented back in the day by Pep Guardiola.

In addition, this appointment comes at the right time to prepare for the next season in MLSwhich begins in February 2025.

Assessment of Javier Mascherano

The “Jefecito” has a long and recognized career in Argentina and Europe, with clubs such as Liverpool and Barcelona, as well as with the Albiceleste. However, in his only experience on the bench, he had a difficult time with the Argentine Paris 2024 Olympic team and with the U21 team, although he always had the support of the team. Argentine Football Federation (AFA).

Once the report is confirmed, it will be Mascherano's first experience with senior players, especially with players considered world stars, assertive management could therefore increase his experience in group management, while extracting the best potential from the players at his disposal.

This is why it is very important that the 'Jefecito' can have almost four months to design his work project for the new season and carry out the project of winning the first MLS Cup in the history of Inter.