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Javier Mascherano reportedly set to be named new Inter Miami coach, reuniting with Lionel Messi at South Beach

Argentina U23 manager Javier Mascherano is reportedly set to join Lionel Messi at Inter Miami as their new head coach after Tata Martino officially announced Friday that he was stepping down from the role.Mascherano played alongside Messi at Barcelona from 2010-2018, and with the Argentina national team throughout his entire career up until 2018. Cesar Luis Merlo was first to report <a href="https://x.com/clmerlo/status/1859956363243474992?s=46" target="_self">that Mascherano was Miami's choice to replace Martino.</a>ESPN <a href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/42544860/inter-miami-set-appoint-javier-mascherano-head-coach-sources-lionel-messi" target="_self">confirmed the report,</a> noting that the two parties are finalizing contract negotiations. GOAL has reached out to Inter Miami for comment.

WHAT HAPPENED?

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, Mascherano led La Albiceleste, which featured Miami's Federico Redondo on the squad, to a quarterfinal exit in the tournament. The manager came under heavy scrutiny due to them underperforming to large expectations in the competition as they were defeated 1-0 by eventual champions France. The criticism also stemmed from finishing second in the Group Stage behind Morocco, despite being one of the tournament's early favorites, which forced them to face Les Bleus immediately in the knockout stages.Martino, meanwhile, is departing after the Herons were on the losing side of the biggest upset in MLS history in the 2024 playoffs, losing to Atlanta United in MLS' Round 1 best-of-three series. After winning the Supporters' Shield and claiming the regular season title by setting the league points record, there were massive postseason expectations for the South Beach club, but they exited early.If hired, Mascherano will look to lead the club to its first-ever MLS Cup. It will be the 40-year-old's first-ever senior job at the club level, and his first time managing a roster full of veterans and professionals - including Messi and his ex-teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Luis Suarez is at a contract stalemate with the club at the moment and Mascherano would likely play a big role in determining if he will be re-signed or not.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Inter Miami's coaching search began on Nov. 16, per managing owner Jorge Mas, who said Friday that Martino had informed him last week that he would be departing."I found out on Friday, I had a conversation with Gerardo Martino on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. Our coaching search started at 11:01," Mas said Friday. "We had a list, this is an extremely attractive job and position for a coach. We got it down to three final candidates by Tuesday and we made, David Beckham, Raúl, my brother José Mas and myself, made the decision two days ago and we will announce the coach in the next few days."Mas added that he spoke with Messi about potential candidates, asking if MLS experience was necessary - and they deemed it important, but not a deciding factor."Experience in MLS would be good, but I don't think it's the principal criteria. 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 best of our roster. How do we improve? Leo shared with me his thoughts, not dissimilar to what I explained."Without a doubt a familiarity with Leo and the other stars is an advantage in every aspect. I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new trainer and coach. We went out and spearheaded that. Leo gave me what I asked him, which is input. But that was his involvement and engagement with me."

WHAT MIAMI SAID

Mascherano was a part of Argentina's 2018 FIFA World Cup squad that made it to the final, before falling short to Kylian Mbappe and France in the final. During the competition, he became La Albiceleste's most-capped player at 147 appearances, however, he's since been passed by Messi - who now has 191.Mascherano also played with Messi for eight seasons at Barcelona, winning two Champions League titles in 2011 and 2015 and four La Liga titles among other club trophies.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mas did not confirm reports about Mascherano, saying only that Miami have narrowed the coaching search down to three candidates, and hopes to make an announcement soon regarding their new head coach.

WHAT NEXT FOR MIAMI?

Javier Mascherano reportedly set to be named new Inter Miami coach, reuniting with Lionel Messi at South Beach | Goal.com Australia

Lionel Messi reportedly has a new coach, with ex-Argentina, Barcelona teammate Javier Mascherano to take charge of the Herons in 2025.