Another ex-Barcelona star is arriving in Miami.
Javier Mascherano, the Argentine former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder, has been revealed as the next manager of Inter Miami CF, according to Argentinian outlet TyC Sports. The appointment comes just three days after former coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino reportedly resigned from the team.
Mascherano managed the u20 Argentinian national team before this, where he has been since 2021. Under his guidance, he led Argentina in the 2024 Paris Olympics and ultimately lost to France in the quarter-finals. He also managed the team during the 2023 u-23 World Cup but failed to advance past the group stage.
He will have the task of improving on Inter Miami’s first-round playoff exit from this season, where they lost to Atlanta United. Questions were raised about Miami’s high-line defense, which was their Achilles heel all season and conceded 49 goals. Additionally, questions will inevitably be raised about his lack of experience, as this will be the first-ever club team he will manage.
However, it likely helps that Mascherano is already extremely familiar with many of the current Miami squad, as they played together at Barcelona. Mascherano played more than 400 games with Lionel Messi at both Barcelona and the Argentina National Team, winning five La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League. This close relationship with the squad was surely a major factor in the decision to hire him.
Former coach Martino guided Inter Miami to a record-breaking regular season, setting the record for most points (74) and goals scored (79). However, a disappointing first-round playoff exit meant Martino resigned due to “personal reasons.” He oversaw the Inter Miami evolution in 2023, signing the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets.
Mascherano will have the full four months before the start of the new MLS season to implement his playstyle and sign new players as Inter Miami continues its quest for its first-ever MLS Cup. The Inter Miami squad is set to report to training for the new season in January 2025.
