Javier Mascherano will become Inter Miami's new head coach in the coming days as the two sides finalize contract negotiations, sources confirmed to ESPN.
Mascherano will leave his position as coach of the Argentina youth team to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons during the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who leaves the club after a year and a half for personal reasons.
Inter Miami began the search for a new head coach on Nov. 16, just hours after co-owner Jorge Mas and president of soccer operations Raúl Sanllehi were informed of Martino's departure.
“I found out on Friday, I had a conversation with Gerardo Martino on Saturday at 11 in the morning,” Mas said at a press conference on Friday. “Our coach search started at 11:01.
“We had a list; this is an extremely attractive job and position for a coach. On Tuesday we narrowed it down to three final candidates and made – David Beckham, Raúl, my brother José Mas and I – we made the decision two “A few days ago and We will announce the coach in the coming days. Knowing that this is not our first coaching search, I have been involved in interviewing the best in the world since 2019.”
Mas emphasized that the team did not prioritize experience in Major League Soccer, but instead looked for a leader who could manage the locker room well considering the caliber of players on the roster.
Before finalizing the name, the Inter Miami co-owner turned to Lionel Messi for advice on how to proceed with the candidates.
“MLS experience would be good, but I don't think it's the main criterion. I think it's more about how to manage the squad with unlimited potential,” Mas said. “I spoke to Leo on Saturday after he and Tata spoke. I asked him what is important to you and what is important to get the best out of our squad. How can we improve? Leo shared with me his thoughts, not very different from those I explained.
“Without a doubt, the familiarity with Leo and the other stars is an advantage in all aspects. I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new coach and coach. We went out and spearheaded that. Leo gave me what I asked for, which is a contribution . But that was his participation and commitment to me.”
Mascherano and Messi played together for eight seasons at Barcelona and also competed regularly for the Argentine national team.
In Spain, Mascherano and Messi inspired Barcelona to win the 2011 and 2015 Champions League titles and five LaLiga trophies.
Mascherano, who also played for Liverpool and West Ham, led Argentina's under-23 team to the quarterfinals of the soccer competition at the Paris Olympics in August.
