Lionel Messi reunited with former Barcelona teammate as new Inter Miami boss is announced
Today at 01:00 PM
Javier Mascherano has been unveiled as Inter Miami’s next boss as the Barcelona legend reunites with a handful of his ex-teammates.
Gerardo Martino recently resigned as the MLS side’s manager after failing to win the MLS Cup, despite having Blaugrana icons Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba at his disposal.
Now, David Beckham has secured another former Nou Camp star for his franchise, with Mascherano penning a three-year deal at the club.
The former defender left Liverpool in 2010 to join Barca where he played for eight years and made 203 appearances.
Mascherano announced his retirement from playing in November 2022, and two years later moved into a managerial role for the Argentina Under-20 side.
He managed at the 2024 Paris Olympics and 2023 U-20 World Cup where his side struggled on both occasions.
However, Argentina could not progress past the group stages in France and was knocked out by Nigeria in the round of 16 in the youth World Cup.
And Mascherano knows he must deliver success in Miami, where he promised to deliver ‘unforgettable’ moments.
He told the club’s website: “To be able to lead a club like Inter Miami is an honour for me, and a privilege I will strive to make the most of.
“I was drawn to the organisation's undeniable ambition, and the infrastructure it has to support it.
“I'm looking forward to working with the people at Inter Miami to help the club reach new heights, and to give the fans more unforgettable moments.”
A delighted Beckham added: “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.
“We're very excited to welcome him to lead our team.”
Mascherano spent eight years in Catalonia from 2010 to 2018, where he was part of the famous Barca side that won five LaLiga titles and two Champions League crowns.
He also played alongside Messi for Argentina, coming awfully close to World Cup glory in 2014, but the South American nation lost to Germany in the final thanks to an extra-time Mario Gotze winner.
Prior to the international break, Inter Miami were knocked out of the MLS playoffs with a shocking defeat to Atlanta United.
Many football fans claimed that Messi had lost his passion for club football, but evidently they were wrong as he stormed off the pitch alongside his team.
It was a reaction that led to criticism from MLS legend Landon Donovan, who questioned Messi’s sportsmanship.
On a recent podcast episode of Unfiltered Soccer with Tim Howard, Donovan said: "Just shake their hands and say congratulations.
"Messi walked right off the field and maybe in the locker room they came out and said congrats or whatever and by the way, your fans are out there too, at least congratulate them on a great season and thank them for all the support they've had."
The Argentine later posted on Instagram and captioned his post: "A season ended in which we continued to grow as a club and, although we achieved some goals, we wanted more.
"Thanks to all the people who joined and supported us. Now let's get ready to come back stronger next year."
Mascherano has a big task on his hands to better the previous efforts of Martinez, whose side broke records on their way to winning the Supporters’ Shield.
Inter Miami will be back in action during February as the MLS schedule differs to most European leagues starting and ending in winter.
