Javier Mascherano Named Inter Miami Head Coach

Javier Mascherano has been appointed as the new head coach of Inter Miami, the team announced on Tuesday. The 40-year-old Mascherano replaces Tata Martino, who stepped down last week due to personal reasons. Mascherano's contract runs through the 2027 season.

Mascherano comes to MLS after coaching Argentina's U-20 and U-23 men's teams since 2021. Most recently, he guided Argentina to the knockout stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. During his playing career, Mascherano featured for River Plate, Corinthians, West Ham United, Liverpool, and Barcelona, where he won five La Liga titles, as well as the Champions League, UEFA Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup championship twice.

Mascherano will be looking to improve Inter Miami's fortunes in 2025. The team crashed out of the playoffs in the first round last season, despite earning 74 points and the MLS Supporters' Shield during the regular season. Inter Miami is reportedly negotiating to bring back Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez, whose contracts expired after the season. Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi have one year left on their deals, and Mas said last week that he expects Messi to stay beyond 2025 as the club moves into its new stadium ahead of the 2026 MLS season.