In a move that’s set to excite fans across the globe, 40-year-old Javier Mascherano is expected to be announced as Inter Miami’s new head coach within the next 24 hours. The Argentine legend, currently serving as the U20 coach for Argentina’s national team, will step into his first professional managerial role, replacing his compatriot Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino, who recently resigned due to personal reasons.

A Reunion of Champions

Mascherano’s arrival in Miami brings a highly anticipated reunion with several of his former Barcelona teammates, including Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets. Together, this group formed the backbone of one of football’s most dominant eras at Barcelona, winning five La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies. Their camaraderie and shared experiences on the pitch in Catalonia—and later with the Argentine national team—are central to this appointment.

At the heart of this reunion is Mascherano’s deep bond with Messi. The two not only achieved immense success at Barcelona but also shared a strong relationship while representing Argentina. While Mascherano retired from international duty in 2018 and missed out on the World Cup and Copa América victories led by Messi, their mutual respect remains steadfast.

Mascherano once praised Messi’s surprising defensive prowess, recalling moments during Barcelona training sessions:
“Sometimes at Barça, we played one-on-one, and it was impossible to get past him. We had no chance! Leo defends very well. He was fast, and when you tried to dribble past him, it was impossible.”

A New Challenge in Major League Soccer

This move marks Mascherano’s debut as a professional club manager. Known for his leadership and tactical intelligence as a player, Mascherano’s storied career has spanned some of the biggest clubs in the world. From his early days with River Plate and Corinthians to his stints at Liverpool, Barcelona, and Estudiantes, he’s gathered a wealth of experience that will be invaluable in Major League Soccer’s unique environment.

Inter Miami’s co-owner, Jorge Mas, played a pivotal role in the decision to hire Mascherano. Leaning on Messi’s insights, Mas sought guidance from the club’s superstar about what the team needed in its next manager. Speaking about their discussions, Mas shared:
“I spoke to Lionel on Saturday after he and Tata [Martino] had spoken. I asked him, ‘What is important to you, and what do we need to get the best out of our roster and starting XI? How do we improve?’ Leo shared his thoughts with me. This is a very attractive position for a coach.”

Big Shoes to Fill

While Mascherano’s appointment has sparked excitement, the pressure will be immense from the moment he signs on the dotted line. His predecessor, Tata Martino, brought stability and a sense of direction to the club, helping them win the Leagues Cup in 2023 and raising the team’s profile in MLS. However, Mascherano’s managerial abilities remain untested at the professional level, making this a high-stakes gamble for both him and Inter Miami.

Despite this, Mascherano’s reputation as a leader and his global footballing pedigree position him as a strong candidate to build on Martino’s foundation. His experience working with players from diverse backgrounds and leagues will be crucial as he navigates the challenges of Major League Soccer’s unique structure and competitive dynamics.

The Messi Effect

It’s clear that Messi’s influence extends beyond the pitch, playing a key role in shaping Inter Miami’s future direction. Mascherano’s appointment not only brings tactical expertise but also solidifies the family-like atmosphere that Messi has fostered within the team. Fans will be eager to see how this reunion of Barcelona greats translates to success in MLS.

As Inter Miami ushers in a new era, all eyes will be on Javier Mascherano to deliver results and lead the team into what promises to be an exciting chapter in its history.