Former Barcelona, Liverpool and Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has been named by Inter Miami as its new head coach.
The 40-year-old, who leaves his position as head coach of Argentina’s under-20 side, replaces Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, who resigned from his role last week due to personal reasons.
“To be able to lead a club like Inter Miami is an honor for me, and a privilege I will strive to make the most of. I was drawn to the organization’s undeniable ambition, and the infrastructure it has to support it,” said Mascherano.
“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.”
Miami co-owner David Beckham said: “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.”
Bienvenido, Jefe 🇦🇷✍️
Argentina and FC Barcelona legend Javier @Mascherano has been named as our new head coach! Welcome to the Miami dream 🩷🖤.
More details: https://t.co/iICOZxaFw7 pic.twitter.com/Boc6Ix32yC
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) November 26, 2024
This will be Mascherano’s first professional managerial position where he will reunite with former Argentina and Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi, as well as Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
He had a short spell as the chief instructor of the Argentina national team before beginning work with the under-20 and under-23 sides in January 2022. During that time he had direct coaching experience with Miami players Tomas Aviles, Facundo Farías, Federico Redondo, and Benjamin Cremaschi.
Mascherano also took charge of Argentina’s football team in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, leading the side to the quarter-finals.
He replaces Martino, who led Miami to a record-setting 74-point regular season and a Supporters’ Shield title.
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The 61-year-old joined Miami in the summer of 2023 after a nearly four-year spell with the Mexican national team. It was his return to Major League Soccer after guiding Atlanta to an MLS Cup title in 2018.
At the time of his hire, Martino was viewed as the ideal candidate to lead Messi and his former Barcelona team-mates Busquets and Alba in America. Suarez joined this summer and helped propel Miami to the top of the league standings.
However, Miami were eliminated from the post-season by Atlanta United in the quarterfinals of the MLS playoffs.
Over a 17-year playing career Mascherano won five La Liga titles during his time at Barcelona while also winning two Champions Leagues. He is also a two-time Olympic gold medalist after winning at both the Athens and Beijing Games.
(Claudio Villa/Getty Images)
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