MIAMI: In an exciting new chapter for Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer club announced the appointment of former Argentina international Javier Mascherano as head coach, effective immediately. This move not only sees Mascherano step into the role of manager, but it also reunites him with his former Barca teammate Lionel Messi. The move follows Gerardo Martino’s resignation last week, attributed to personal circumstances.
Aged 40, Mascherano, who recently managed Argentina’s U20 and Olympic teams, brings a wealth of experience to the role. Having made 203 appearances for FC Barcelona and playing alongside Messi, he also shares on-pitch memories with current Inter Miami players Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez.
Mascherano’s time with the Argentine federation was particularly notable, as he coached several players now wearing the Inter Miami jersey, including Tomas Aviles, Facundo Farias and Federico Redondo. Inter Miami Managing Owner Jorge Mas highlighted the importance of experience in the role, saying: “This position requires someone with the experience to maximize our unique collection of talent – from our global superstars to our young players on the rise, and everything in between Javier has accumulated unparalleled experience in his career, whether playing on the biggest stages in the world or coaching at international youth level; has the blend of skills and experience that we We were looking for.”
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Mas added: “We believe Javier is an important addition to our club as we continue our quest to be among the world’s elite, setting a new standard for Football in North America.” Inter Miami had a remarkable season, winning the Supporters’ Shield for the best overall record in MLS, a feat which saw them land a coveted spot in next year’s Club World Cup. However, the team experienced disappointment in the first round of the playoffs, eliminated by Atlanta in a surprising upset.
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Co-owner David Beckham expressed confidence in Mascherano’s abilities to lead MLS’s hottest club. Beckham said: “Javier has always demonstrated what makes him great – unwavering determination accompanied by the knowledge, instincts and understanding to back it up. We are very excited to welcome him to lead our team.”
Mascherano’s illustrious playing career began with River Plate, followed by a spell at Corinthians in Brazil. His European adventure saw him represent West Ham United and Liverpool before achieving success at Barca, where he won five Spanish league titles and lifted the Champions League trophy twice.
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In his first statements as head coach, Mascherano expressed his enthusiasm, saying: “Being able to lead a club like Inter Miami is an honor for me, and a privilege that I will strive to put to good use. I was attracted to the undeniable ambition of the organization and the infrastructure it has to support it. I look forward to working with the people at Inter Miami to help the club reach new heights and deliver. unforgettable moments for fans.”
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Mascherano’s recruitment marks the third coaching change in MLS on Tuesday. New York City FC, who exited the playoffs after a home defeat to local rivals New York Red Bulls, announced the departure of Manchester City Football Group-affiliated coach Nick Cushing. Additionally, St. Louis City, in its second year, named former Sweden captain and ex-Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg as its new coach.
— AFP
