<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a> stands at a crossroads as it searches for a new manager to replace the outgoing&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/tata-martino/">Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino</a>, whose tenure elevated the club to global prominence. Rumors have swirled about&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/javier-mascherano/">Javier Mascherano</a>, a former teammate of Lionel Messi, stepping into the managerial role. But as speculation mounts, the official announcement remains under wraps, leaving fans and analysts eagerly awaiting confirmation.



Tata Martino, a seasoned coach with an enviable record, brought significant success to Inter Miami during his short stint. Under his leadership, the team clinched the&nbsp;Leagues Cup&nbsp;and the&nbsp;Supporters’ Shield, achievements that cemented the club’s reputation in Major League Soccer (MLS). However, a disappointing exit in the MLS Cup playoffs and Martino’s decision to step down for personal reasons have left a managerial vacuum.



For Inter Miami co-owner&nbsp;Jorge Mas, finding the right successor is critical. As he stated: “I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new coach. Familiarity with Leo and the other stars is an advantage in every aspect”. The potential appointment of Javier Mascherano could fulfill this vision.



<h2>Why Javier Mascherano?</h2>



Mascherano’s name carries weight, not just for his storied playing career but also for his deep connection with Inter Miami’s star players. Having shared the pitch with&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/luis-suarez/">Luis Suarez</a>,&nbsp;Jordi Alba, and&nbsp;Sergio Busquets&nbsp;at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> and Argentina’s national team, Mascherano brings an unparalleled understanding of their styles and strengths.



Jorge Mas highlighted this familiarity as a potential game-changer, stating: “I asked [Messi] what is important to you and what is important to get the best of our roster? How do we improve? Leo shared his thoughts.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241123_WST_541040_When-will-Inter-Miami-officially-announce-Javier-Mascherano-as-Lionel-Messi-and-Luis-Suarezs-new-coach-2-1200x675_3f79a89b.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-541044" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/When-will-Inter-Miami-officially-announce-Javier-Mascherano-as-Lionel-Messi-and-Luis-Suarezs-new-coach-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/When-will-Inter-Miami-officially-announce-Javier-Mascherano-as-Lionel-Messi-and-Luis-Suarezs-new-coach-2-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/When-will-Inter-Miami-officially-announce-Javier-Mascherano-as-Lionel-Messi-and-Luis-Suarezs-new-coach-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/When-will-Inter-Miami-officially-announce-Javier-Mascherano-as-Lionel-Messi-and-Luis-Suarezs-new-coach-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/When-will-Inter-Miami-officially-announce-Javier-Mascherano-as-Lionel-Messi-and-Luis-Suarezs-new-coach-2-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/When-will-Inter-Miami-officially-announce-Javier-Mascherano-as-Lionel-Messi-and-Luis-Suarezs-new-coach-2-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/When-will-Inter-Miami-officially-announce-Javier-Mascherano-as-Lionel-Messi-and-Luis-Suarezs-new-coach-2-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/When-will-Inter-Miami-officially-announce-Javier-Mascherano-as-Lionel-Messi-and-Luis-Suarezs-new-coach-2.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



Although the Argentine’s managerial experience is limited to his role with La Albiceleste’s Under-20 side, his ability to manage egos and foster camaraderie could be a decisive factor for a star-studded team like Inter Miami.



<h5>Challenges ahead</h5>



The road ahead for Mascherano, should he take the reins, will be anything but smooth. Inter Miami faces a packed schedule, including the&nbsp;CONCACAF Champions Cup&nbsp;and the Club World Cup, alongside MLS commitments. Injuries and international call-ups add further complexity to managing a squad of veteran superstars.



Critics point out the Argentine’s lack of club coaching experience, questioning whether his leadership qualities as a player can translate into tactical success as a manager. However, his time coaching youth players has honed his ability to nurture talent and manage emerging personalities—skills that could prove invaluable in balancing Miami’s roster.



Moreover, the 40-year-old’s exposure to&nbsp;Barcelona’s possession-based, high-pressing style&nbsp;during his playing days could align perfectly with Inter Miami’s attacking philosophy.



<h2>When will Mascherano join Inter Miami?</h2>



After weeks of speculation, reliable sources such as&nbsp;Fabrizio Romano&nbsp;have confirmed that all documents are in place for Mascherano’s appointment. The official announcement is expected in the&nbsp;upcoming days, marking the beginning of a three-year tenure for the Argentine legend.



Diego Placente, Mascherano’s former assistant, is set to take over as head coach of Argentina’s Under-20 team, paving the way for Mascherano’s transition to Miami.

When will Inter Miami officially announce Javier Mascherano as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez's new coach?

When will Inter Miami officially announce Javier Mascherano as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez's new coach? - World Soccer Talk

destacadas

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a> faces a transformative moment as they chart their course for the coming years, with <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a> firmly at the center of their ambitions. With his contract set to expire at the end of 2025, the club is already charting a course to extend his stay. This vision, fueled by owner Jorge Mas’ determination, aligns Messi’s potential future with Miami Freedom Park’s grand opening in 2026—and possibly the upcoming World Cup in the United States, where he could emulate his arch-rival, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/cristiano-ronaldo/">Cristiano Ronaldo</a>.



The offseason for Miami began with a significant change as&nbsp;manager Tata Martino announced his departure, citing personal reasons. This departure comes on the heels of the team’s disappointing early exit in the playoffs after a loss to Atlanta United. With the Argentine’s exit confirmed, speculation has already turned to his potential successor.



Reports suggest that&nbsp;Lionel Messi’s former Barcelona and Argentina teammate, Javier Mascherano, is the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/former-lionel-messi-teammate-at-barcelona-reportedly-set-to-become-inter-miamis-new-coach/">frontrunner for the managerial position</a>. The 40-year-old is currently in talks with the club, having recently coached Argentina’s U23 team at the Paris Olympics. While the team didn’t meet expectations, Mascherano’s familiarity with Messi and his tactical experience make him a logical choice.



<h2>Mascherano as likely successor</h2>



Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas confirmed the 37-year-old’s involvement in selecting the next coach, emphasizing the importance of his input.&nbsp;“I spoke to Leo on Saturday after he and Tata spoke. I asked him what’s important to get the best of our roster and how we can improve. Leo gave me his thoughts, which were similar to my vision,”&nbsp;Mas revealed.



Mas underscored that while MLS experience is valuable, the priority is to hire a coach who can manage a team with “unlimited potential.” A strong connection with Messi and other stars would also be advantageous.



<h2>Will Messi stay past 2025?</h2>



Messi’s current contract with Inter Miami runs through the end of 2025, with an option to extend for another year. Mas has expressed optimism that Messi will remain with the club, particularly as they prepare to open their new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026.



“Leo and I will sit and discuss the future,”&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;“I fully expect during the opening of our new stadium in 2026 that Lionel Messi will be our No. 10. He’s an amazing leader, and that’s a tribute to him as a player. He’s a competitive beast who wants to win.”



Messi’s presence is integral to Inter Miami’s ambitions for 2025, which includes pursuing multiple trophies such as the CONCACAF Champions Cup, Club World Cup, and the MLS Cup. His leadership has already transformed the club, as evidenced by their stellar 2024 regular season, despite injuries sidelining him for part of the campaign.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241123_WST_541021_Inter-Miamis-2026-vision-Can-Lionel-Messi-mirror-Cristiano-Ronaldos-success-with-strategic-contract-1-1200x675_d2e0665c.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-541025" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Inter-Miamis-2026-vision-Can-Lionel-Messi-mirror-Cristiano-Ronaldos-success-with-strategic-contract-1-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Inter-Miamis-2026-vision-Can-Lionel-Messi-mirror-Cristiano-Ronaldos-success-with-strategic-contract-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Inter-Miamis-2026-vision-Can-Lionel-Messi-mirror-Cristiano-Ronaldos-success-with-strategic-contract-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Inter-Miamis-2026-vision-Can-Lionel-Messi-mirror-Cristiano-Ronaldos-success-with-strategic-contract-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Inter-Miamis-2026-vision-Can-Lionel-Messi-mirror-Cristiano-Ronaldos-success-with-strategic-contract-1-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Inter-Miamis-2026-vision-Can-Lionel-Messi-mirror-Cristiano-Ronaldos-success-with-strategic-contract-1-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Inter-Miamis-2026-vision-Can-Lionel-Messi-mirror-Cristiano-Ronaldos-success-with-strategic-contract-1-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Inter-Miamis-2026-vision-Can-Lionel-Messi-mirror-Cristiano-Ronaldos-success-with-strategic-contract-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Lionel Messi (left) and Cristiano Ronaldo (right)</figcaption></figure>



Extending his contract into 2026 would align with another significant event: the FIFA World Cup, hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Should the superstar remain in Miami, he could enter the tournament as a 39-year-old MLS player, potentially competing against his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo.



Interestingly, Ronaldo has also previously hinted at extending his contract with Al-Nassr until the 2025-26 season, leaving open the possibility of another chapter in their storied rivalry.&nbsp;“I am planning my retirement and it will happen in a year or two,”&nbsp;the Portuguese said recently.

Inter Miami's 2026 vision: Can Lionel Messi mirror Cristiano Ronaldo's success with strategic contract?

Inter Miami's 2026 vision: Can Lionel Messi mirror Cristiano Ronaldo's success with strategic contract? - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/">Inter Miami</a>‘s season ended sooner than expected. 10 days after falling in the MLS playoffs quarterfinals against Atlanta United, coach Gerardo Martino announced his departure from the club. With the club preparing for the 2025 season, reports suggest that a former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/">Lionel Messi</a>‘s teammate at FC Barcelona is set to be Martino’s replacement.



<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lionel-messis-coach-tata-martino-makes-shocking-exit-from-inter-miami-after-mls-playoffs/">Martino’s exit from Inter Miami came as a surprise</a>, but the executives moved quickly to find his successor. According to Argentine journalist and transfer market expert Cesar Luis Merlo, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/javier-mascherano/">Javier Mascherano</a> is set to be Inter Miami’s coach for the next season.



Merlo also reported that “the club is already exchanging documents with the Argentine, who will sign a long-term contract” and that “he will leave his position as U-20 coach to manage Messi.” Javier Mascherano will be the third Argentine to coach Inter Miami, following interim coach Javier Morales and Martino.



Inter Miami will be Mascherano’s first experience as a first-division coach. The former <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/">Barcelona</a> player managed 41 matches in his short career, bringing experience from managing Argentina’s U-20 team, where he secured the L’Alcudia trophy, and the U-23 squad, which he led at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20241122_WST_540847_Mascherano-Inter-Miami-1200x675_f383ead5.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-540855" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Mascherano-Inter-Miami-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Mascherano-Inter-Miami-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Mascherano-Inter-Miami-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Mascherano-Inter-Miami-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Mascherano-Inter-Miami-740x416.jpg 740w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Mascherano-Inter-Miami-490x275.jpg 490w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Mascherano-Inter-Miami-250x140.jpg 250w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/11/Mascherano-Inter-Miami.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>Mascherano and the challenge of replacing Inter Miami’s most successful coach</h2>



Mascherano faces the daunting task of maintaining the high standards set by <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/tata-martino/">Martino</a>, Inter Miami’s most successful manager. Under Martino, the team flourished, achieving milestones such as winning the 2024 <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/mls/">MLS</a> Supporters’ Shield and setting a record with 74 points in a single season. Martino’s tenure ended with an impressive record of 35 wins, 16 draws, and 16 losses from 67 matches.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="WST#/news/club-opposes-fifa-questions-lionel-messis-inter-miami-and-demands-to-compete-in-club-world-cup/"></div>


Mascherano’s extensive playing career and leadership experience will be assets as he steps into this challenging role. He captained Argentina alongside Messi during pivotal moments, such as the 2014 World Cup (where Argentina finished as runners-up) and the 2018 World Cup. This experience, combined with his youth coaching background, positions him well to manage a squad that balances veteran stars and emerging talent.



<h2>Mascherano’s new opportunity to coach Messi</h2>



Earlier this year, Mascherano expressed excitement about potentially coaching Messi at the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, scheduling conflicts and Messi’s commitments to Inter Miami and the Copa América dashed those plans.



“I spoke with Leo, and we agreed to talk again in some time. He’s just starting the season with Inter Miami, and there’s still a while to go before the Olympics, especially considering he also has the Copa América. It’s not an easy situation. We’ll have to see if he truly has the energy to be there,” Mascherano stated in March.



An injury to Messi during the Copa América final further ruled out the possibility of his Olympic participation. Now, as Inter Miami’s likely new head coach, Mascherano will finally have the chance to work with Messi once again, this time as a coach.

Former Lionel Messi teammate at Barcelona reportedly set to become Inter Miami’s new coach

Former Lionel Messi teammate at Barcelona reportedly set to become Inter Miami’s new coach - World Soccer Talk

The status of Lionel Messi in the Olympics is still unclear, but the boss of the Argentina U-23 side has informed the star that <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/messi-sets-sights-on-another-trophy-to-play-at-2024-olympics-20240120-WST-484592.html">his presence is welcome</a>. Javier Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi’s at both Barcelona and Argentina, is the youth side’s head coach. Messi would be eligible to play in the competition, as each team can bring three players over the age of 23. Argentina clinched a spot in Paris this summer after defeating the reigning gold medalist, Brazil, in a CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic qualifier. Argentina qualified alongside Paraguay.



Before qualifying, Javier Mascherano clarified that Messi has the freedom to join the Argentina national team at any time if that is what he pleases. 



“Leo has an open door to the national team to do whatever he wishes—that’s the reality,” <a href="https://www.marca.com/en/olympic-games/2023/10/26/653a7cd9ca47413b1c8b45ca.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mascherano said</a>. “If we end up qualifying and he wants to go, he will be welcome. My relationship with him is that of a great friendship and I would love it.” 



Now that Argentina has a spot guaranteed among the 16 teams competing, Argentina awaits a decision from its star. Messi has not commented on what his availability would be for that tournament in August 2024. However, he did take to social media to celebrate Argentina’s success. He posted a picture on his Instagram story of Argentina celebrating qualification, and Messi said ‘Vamos!’



<h2>Would Messi play in the Olympics?</h2>



For years, Messi has had a preference to play for the national team over his club sides. At times, he looked disinterested playing for PSG, but then he looked like the best player in the world when he wore the sky blue and white of Argentina at the World Cup. When he joined Inter Miami, he went away for CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying with Argentina. He picked up an injury in the Fall of 2023 that impacted his availability for Inter Miami as it made a late push for the MLS Cup Playoffs. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="670" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240212_WST_489152_Messi-2008-Olympics-1200x670_22edced1.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=670" alt="" class="wp-image-489176" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Messi-2008-Olympics-1200x670.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Messi-2008-Olympics-300x168.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Messi-2008-Olympics-768x429.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/02/Messi-2008-Olympics.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



However, the Olympics is largely a youth competition. There are only three players over the age of 23 allowed for each team at the Olympics, and having Messi would be a major boost for Mascherano’s side. However, there are several key considerations. The forefront of Messi’s mind should be his health. The Olympics in Paris kick off soon after the 2024 Copa America in the United States. Messi will play in that competition this summer as Argentina looks to defend its title. Having back-to-back tournaments will be a major challenge for Messi, who will be 37 this summer.



Also, Messi has already won the Olympics with Argentina. He won the competition in 2008 when he was 21 years old. For years, he cherished that as his biggest accomplishment with the Argentina national team. Success at the Copa America and World Cup in quick succession changed that. Adding another Olympic Gold Medal may not be overly important for the Argentine.



<h2>Missing Miami games</h2>



Likewise, Lionel Messi has already won the Leagues Cup. The competition involving all MLS and Liga MX teams happens at the same time as the Olympics. If Messi were to go to France to compete, he would be <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/mls-games-that-messi-could-miss-due-to-argentina-duty-20240206-WST-487944.html">unavailable for Inter Miami’s title defense</a>. In the same way the star may not care about the Olympics, he may not have the desire to win the Leagues Cup. That would open the door to play in one of his last international competitions with Argentina.



PHOTOS: IMAGO

It's up to Messi to decide if he wants to play in the Olympics

The status of Lionel Messi in the Olympics is still unclear, but the boss of the Argentina U-23 side welcomes his presence.

Latest news from Javier Mascherano. Find out about all the news related to Javier Mascherano on worldsoccertalk.com

ALL POSTS TAGGED "Javier Mascherano - Page 8"

News

When will Inter Miami officially announce Javier Mascherano as Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez's new coach?

News

Inter Miami's 2026 vision: Can Lionel Messi mirror Cristiano Ronaldo's success with strategic contract?

News

Former Lionel Messi teammate at Barcelona reportedly set to become Inter Miami’s new coach

Argentina

It's up to Messi to decide if he wants to play in the Olympics