Lionel Messi will soon answer to a different face as Inter Miami announced the shock resignation of Javier Mascherano as coach.
Mascherano’s bombshell decision came just days after Miami drew 2-2 with New York Red Bulls.
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In a statement, Mascherano confirmed he stepped down from the role due to ‘personal reasons’.
Why did Javier Mascherano step down as Inter Miami manager?
“First and foremost, I would like to thank the club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organization for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments,” Mascherano said.
“I also want to thank the fans and La Familia, because none of this would have been possible without them.
“I will always carry with me the memory of our first star, and wherever I am, I will continue to wish the Club all the best moving forward. I have no doubt that the Club will continue to achieve success in the future.
“Sending you all a big hug, and thank you for everything.”
Who will replace Mascherano at Inter Miami?
The Florida-based outfit confirmed Guillermo Hoyos will take over from Mascherano as first team coach until a permanent successor is found.
Crucially, Hoyos is a known figure to Miami superstar Messi.
The pair worked together when Messi was playing in Barcelona’s Under-18’s from 2000 to 2003.
Such was the relationship between the pair, Messi described Hoyos as his ‘footballing godfather’ in 2010.
Hoyos had previously been serving as Miami’s sporting director.
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How did Javier Mascherano perform in Miami?
Mascherano’s sudden exit brings an end to his 16-month stint in charge of Miami.
The former Barcelona midfielder, who played alongside Messi 414 times for club and country with Argentina, was appointed to the role in November 2024.
Handing the managerial reins to Mascherano proved to be a wise call from Miami’s ownership group, which includes David Beckham, as he led the club to its maiden MLS Cup in 2025.
It capped off a remarkable season for Miami in which Mascherano’s side shattered several records on the way to silverware.
Miami scored a staggering 101 goals in regular and postseason action, the most any team had scored during a single MLS season.
A whopping 20 of those came in the postseason, with Messi contributing six of those.
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Mascherano departs Miami with a record of 38 wins, 15 draws and 14 defeats from 67 games across all competitions.
At the time of Mascherano’s shock exit, Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference after seven games with 12 points, four behind conference leaders Nashville SC.
Hoyos will look to earn his first win in temporary charge of the Floridian side when they travel to Denver for a clash against the Colorado Rapids on April 18.
