"I hope Messi leaves this team", "This is the beginning of failure" - Fans react as Inter Miami appoint ex-Lionel Messi teammate as new head coach
Inter Miami fans on X have reacted negatively after the Herons appointed Lionel Messi's former teammate Javier Mascherano as their new head coach. The former Barcelona and Liverpool midfielder is set to replace former boss Tata Martino after the latter recently stepped down due to personal reasons.
Following his retirement as a player in 2020, Mascherano moved into management as the head coach of the Argentina U20 between 2022 to date. The 40-year-old also coached the Argentine U23 side at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Despite having managed a total of just 41 games and no exposure at club level, Lione Messi's Inter Miami have opted to sign him on a deal through the 2027 MLS season.
Inter Miami Managing Owner Jorge Mas stated (via The club's official website):
“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."
He added:
"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."
However, a large section of fans are fuming at Mascherano's appointment as one predicted:
"This is the beginning of failure. Mascherano is not a good coach."
Another fan hopes Lionel Messi leaves the club:
"With all due respect to Mascherano, what is his experience and success? Will you enter the new season and the Club World Cup with a novice coach? I hope Messi leaves this team."
Check out how other fans reacted below:
"You people are not serious," one fan insisted.
"Messi and friends," one fan commented.
"I still don’t understand this appointment though. There are suitable candidates to take that position," another added.
"He couldn’t even go anywhere with Argentina in the Olympics, so why??" one fan questioned
"Inter Miami somehow found a way to downgrade from even Tata Martino ffs," another chimed in.
"Give the fans more unforgettable moments" - Javier Mascherano outlines his goals for next season after becoming new head coach for Lionel Messi's Inter Miami
Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano has vowed to help Lionel Messi and Co. reach new heights and to give fans 'unforgettable moments' ahead of the 2025 MLS campaign. The Argentine is set to commence his coaching duties at the club upon the receipt of his work documentation.
From the aforementioned source, Mascherano stated:
“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 will have to be at his very best to outdo what Tata Martino achieved this season. Lionel Messi's side finished at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference standings with a record-high 74 points, winning the 2024 Supporters' Shield. However, they notably failed to win the Leagues Cup, MLS Playoffs, and CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Fortunately, the former Argentina international does have prior chemistry with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. The four played together in Barcelona between 2010 and 2018, helping the club win 19 trophies.
