Inter Miami’s Rollercoaster Offseason: From Record-Breaking Highs to Coaching Shake-Ups
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — The 2024 season for Inter Miami was a whirlwind of emotions, filled with both triumph and disappointment. The Herons soared to new heights by clinching the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and setting a league record for the most points in a single season. Yet, their journey came to an unexpected halt with a first-round exit in the MLS playoffs. Despite this abrupt end, the team had plenty of reasons to look forward to the future, especially with the dynamic duo of Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez secured for another year, thanks to Suárez’s contract extension.
However, the anticipation for 2025 took a dramatic turn when head coach Gerardo “Tata” Martino announced his resignation on Nov. 22, citing “personal reasons.” The news leaked before Martino could formally inform his players, leaving the club’s staff in shock, as confirmed by sources to ESPN.
In the wake of Martino’s unexpected departure, Inter Miami’s leadership, including co-owners Jorge Mas and David Beckham, along with then-sporting director Raul Sanllehi and Messi, swiftly began the search for a new head coach. Their choice? Javier Mascherano, a former player with no prior club managerial experience, who was announced as the new head coach on Nov. 26.
The decision to appoint Mascherano, who had only coached the Argentina youth national team, sparked mixed reactions among fans. Many questioned his qualifications to lead a star-studded team like Inter Miami.
“Obviously people in the world are going to have opinions, and that’s a valid opinion, of course,” Mascherano said at his introductory news conference. “I am convinced I can do it. I have no doubt.”
How Did Miami Land on Mascherano?
Mascherano’s connection with Inter Miami dates back to 2019, when he met with Mas in South Florida to discuss soccer. The two spent an entire night talking about Mascherano’s extensive knowledge of the sport and his unique philosophy, which made him an attractive candidate for the then-new MLS club.
Initially, Mas hoped to sign Mascherano as a player on a one-year contract, with plans to transition him into a coaching role to develop the team’s academy. However, the deal fell through for personal reasons, and Mascherano retired with Argentine club Estudiantes in 2020.
Fast forward five years, and Mas finally convinced Mascherano to join Inter Miami. The hiring process was swift, with Mas reaching out to Mascherano just days after learning of Martino’s plans to retire. The criteria for the new coach were simple: someone Messi would feel comfortable with and who could manage the locker room’s diverse personalities.
Mascherano’s appointment was finalized after a series of quick negotiations, including a conversation with Messi, with whom he shares a long-standing friendship from their time together at Barcelona and the Argentina national team.
Messi’s involvement in the decision-making process was a first for the club, highlighting his influence within the organization. Earlier this year, a source confirmed to ESPN that Sanllehi would be replaced by the club’s academy director, Guillermo Hoyos, who Messi affectionately calls his “footballing father.”
Despite rumors of a confrontation between Messi and Sanllehi, the club denied any such incident, stating that Hoyos’ promotion was preplanned. Nevertheless, Messi’s role in the club’s decisions is evident, as his presence has been a significant factor in attracting players like Jordi Alba and Suárez to Inter Miami.
Mascherano’s relationship with Messi was a key factor in his hiring, as the board prioritized finding a coach who could handle the high-profile figures in the locker room over someone with extensive league experience.
Is Mascherano’s Hiring a Risk for Inter Miami?
Mascherano’s transition from player to coach began in 2021 when he took charge of the Argentina under-20 national team. During his tenure, he worked with several young talents, including Tomás Avilés and Federico Redondo, who are now part of Inter Miami’s roster.
His experience with Argentina’s youth teams allowed Mascherano to develop a clear vision of the game, which he hopes to implement at Inter Miami. He believes his familiarity with the team’s stars, including Messi, Suárez, Alba, and Sergio Busquets, will be an advantage in his new role.
“We must remember that we are making that change or transition now,” Mascherano said. “A lot of water has passed under the river. I left Barcelona in 2018. Now, a lot of time has passed, we are grown-up people, we know how to differentiate things. I take it as an advantage to be able to know each other, to have had teammates and obviously to have great players like them.”
After Martino’s Exit, Can Mascherano Make Miami His Own?
Martino’s legacy at Inter Miami includes the inaugural Leagues Cup trophy and a record-breaking season. His ability to navigate complex roster rules and discover hidden talent was instrumental in transforming the team into title contenders.
Under Martino, Inter Miami signed key players like Matías Rojas, Diego Gómez, and Julian Gressel, who contributed significantly to the team’s success. The challenge for Mascherano will be to build on this foundation and make the team his own.
Since taking over, Mascherano has overseen several roster changes, including the departure of players like CJ dos Santos and Cole Jensen. New signings, such as Fafà Picault and Rocco Rios Novo, aim to add depth to the roster.
Ultimately, Mascherano’s success will be measured by his ability to deliver results with a squad largely built by his predecessor. The pressure is on to meet the high expectations set by the club’s leadership and fans.
“There is pressure here to win, and that pressure is going to continue,” Mas said. “We expect it of ourselves, our coaches and players.”
Originally Written by: Lizzy Becherano
