´Privilege´ of coaching Messi key to Inter Miami decision, says Mascherano

Javier Mascherano said the “privilege” of coaching former Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi was a key factor in his decision to join Inter Miami as their new head coach.

Mascherano was appointed as the club’s new boss days after Gerardo Martino resigned from his position following the Herons’ early exit from the MLS playoffs.

Martino cited “personal reasons” after leaving the team, which he led to Leagues Cup glory shortly after his arrival last year, while also helping Miami set a new single-season MLS points record of 74 as they clinched the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.

Mascherano played alongside Messi at Barcelona for eight years, winning 19 major honours including two Champions League titles, with the former midfielder citing a reunion with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner as key to his decision.

“The privilege of coaching Messi,” Mascherano said when asked why he had joined the club.

“Obviously, players of the calibre of my former team-mates like Luis (Suarez), (Sergio) Busquets, Jordi (Alba), and others I’ve had the chance to know, especially the Argentines.

“And some young academy players like Noah Allen and David Ruiz, who have potential. Having worked with young players for a long time, I enjoy continuing to have this opportunity.”

Bienvenido a casa @Mascherano pic.twitter.com/N7XeniAJCu

— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 2, 2024

The 40-year-old, however, embarks on his first senior management role having only taken charge of Argentina’s youth teams, most recently at the Paris Olympics when he led them to the quarter-finals of the competition before losing to beaten finalists France.

Many supporters have put Mascherano’s arrival down to the influence of Messi, but the new boss is ready to silence the sceptics as he takes the reins with little managerial experience under his belt.

“People in the world can have their opinion, and it is valid, clearly, but I am convinced that I am capable of coaching the team,” said Mascherano.

“I am very excited to be able to do it. I can do it. I have no doubt. Sometimes, in football, [talk of] ‘experience’ doesn’t make much sense.

“Beyond the fact that I have been coaching for three years, coaching the youth teams of the Argentine national team, [where] I have always been under pressure.

“I am also supported by a playing career of almost 20 years and everything I’ve experienced.”