Javier Mascherano is the new head coach of Inter Miami The team was announced on Tuesday.
Mascherano, whose contract runs until the 2027 season, replaces Tata Martino, who stepped down last week for personal reasons.
Mascherano, 40, 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.
Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said, “This job requires someone with the experience to be able to maximize our unique collection of talent – from our global superstars to our emerging domestic players, our young International prospects and everything in between.” a statement.
“Javier has gained unmatched experience in his career, from playing on the world’s biggest stages to coaching at youth international level; he has the mix of skills and experience we were looking for, and even Tomas Aviles also has direct coaching experience with Facundo Farias, Federico Redondo, and Benjamin Cremaschi. We believe that Javier is an important addition to our club as we join the world’s elite. Continuing his quest to be and set a new standard for soccer in North America.”
Before entering management, Mascherano had a long playing career in which he worked for clubs such as 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 also won the FIFA Club World Cup. Cup Championship twice.
During his eight seasons with Barcelona, Mascherano was part of a Barça squad that also included current Inter Miami stars Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suárez. He represented Argentina 147 times at international level, playing alongside Messi in four World Cups and five Copa América tournaments. They were both also part of La Albiceleste’s gold medal-winning team at the 2008 Olympics.
Mascherano joins the Inter Miami team after a disappointing 2024 season. After earning 74 points and the MLS Supporters’ Shield during the regular season, the team lost to Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs.
Will there be roster changes for 2025? Alba and Suárez’s contracts expired after the season and Inter Miami are reportedly in talks to bring both of them back. Busquets and 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.