Former team mate of Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano has been named the new head coach of Inter Miami.
Javier Mascherano played for Argentina and also Barcelona where he and Lionel Messi were team mates.
Javier Mascherano, who is currently the U23 Manager for Argentina was appointed after current Inter Miami coach, Tata Martino officially announced last Friday that he was stepping down from the role.
Mascherano played alongside Messi at Barcelona from 2010-2018, and with the Argentina national team throughout his entire career up until 2018.
Mascherano will look to lead the club to its first-ever MLS Cup.
It is the 40-year-old’s first-ever senior job at the club level, and his first time managing a roster full of veterans and professionals – including Messi and his ex-teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Miami owner Jorge Mas praised Mascherano, saying in a statement: “This job requires somebody with the experience to be able to maximize our unique collection of talent – from our global superstars, to our burgeoning Homegrown players, to our young international prospects, and everything in between.”
“Javier has amassed unmatched experience in his career, from playing on the world’s biggest stages, to coaching at the youth international level; he has the blend of skills and experience we were looking for, and even has had direct coaching experience with Tomás Avilés, Facundo Farías, Federico Redondo, and Benjamin Cremaschi. We believe Javier is an important addition to our Club as we continue on our quest to be among the world’s elite, setting a new standard for fútbol in North America.”
“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. 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,” Mascherano said about his new role.
