Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi plays, announced on Tuesday the appointment of former Argentine international Javier Mascherano as coach, replacing his compatriot Gerardo Martino.
The appointment of Mascherano, 40, comes a little more than two weeks after the elimination of Beckham’s club to everyone’s surprise in the first round of the play-offs of the American football championship (MLS).
The leaders of the Florida club, having noted the departure of Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who resigned last week “for personal reasons”, have set their sights on this young technician despite his limited experience as a coach, who has always evolved in the shadow of superstar Messi.
“We believe Javier is an important asset to our club as we continue our quest to be part of the world’s elite and set a new standard for football in North America,” said the club’s president and majority shareholder. Inter Jorge Mas in a press release.
“Javier has amassed unrivaled experience during his career, from playing on the biggest stages in the world to coaching youth at international level, he combines the skill and experience we were looking for” , continued the leader.
Mascherano has 147 caps with Argentina, the last in 2018 during the 4-3 defeat in the round of 16 of the World Cup against the French team, future world champions.
He recently served as coach of the Argentine under-20 team and the team that participated in the Paris Olympic Games, eliminated by the France team in the semi-finals (1-0).
In Miami, the former River Plate midfielder, who notably played for West Ham, Liverpool and especially FC Barcelona, will find a contingent of old hands that he worked with at the Blaugranas, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets in more than the eight-time Ballon d’Or Messi.
He will also have under his direction some young people that he brought to life in the Albiceleste jersey: Tomas Aviles, Facundo Farías and Federico Redondo.
Mascherano inherits an Inter Miami team that dominated the MLS regular season, winning the Supporters’ Shield for the team with the best overall record, breaking the points record in the process, leading FIFA to award him a place in next year’s Club World Cup.
However, the team then coached by “Tata” Martino fell from a height by suffering a shock elimination in the first round of the play-offs, beaten by Atlanta on November 9, despite its dream squad.
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