Javier Mascherano is expected to become the new head coach of InterMiami in the coming days as the two sides finalize contract negotiations, sources confirmed to ESPN.
Mascherano will leave his post as Argentina youth team manager to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons throughout the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who leaves the club after a year and a half for personal reasons.
Inter Miami launched the search for a new head coach on November 16, just hours after co-owner Jorge Mas and president of football operations Raúl Sanllehi were informed of Martino’s departure.
“I found out on Friday that I had a conversation with Gerardo Martino on Saturday morning at 11 o’clock,” Mas said at a press conference on Friday. “Our coaching search began at 11:01 a.m.
“We had a list; it’s an extremely attractive job and position for a coach. On Tuesday we came to three final candidates and we made the decision two days ago – David Beckham, Raúl, my brother José Mas and myself – and we will announce the coach in the coming days. Knowing that this is not our first coaching search, I have been participating in interviews with the greatest in the world since 2019.”
Mas emphasized that the team did not prioritize Major League Soccer experience, but instead sought a leader who could manage the locker room well given 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 candidates.
“Experience in MLS that would be nice, but I don’t think that’s the main criterion. I think it’s more about how you manage the roster 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 most out of our workforce. How can we improve? Leo shared his thoughts with me, which are reminiscent of what I explained.
“Without a doubt, the familiarity with Leo and the other stars is an advantage in every way. I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new manager and coach. We went there and spearheaded that effort. Leo gave me what I asked for, which was a contribution. But it was his involvement and his commitment to me.
Mascherano and Messi played together for eight seasons at Barcelona and also competed regularly for the Argentina national team.
In Spain, Mascherano and Messi inspired Barcelona to the 2011 and 2015 Champions League titles and five La Liga trophies.
Mascherano, who also played for Liverpool and West Ham, led Argentina’s U23s to the quarter-finals of the football competition at the Paris Olympics in August.