Inter Miami CF announced on Tuesday in a statement the appointment of Argentine Javier Mascherano as their new head coach.
Mascherano, who signed a contract that will connect him to the team until the 2027 season of Major League Soccer (MLS), will assume his duties once the processing of his work documentation is completed.
Mascherano's arrival at Inter Miami is particularly significant due to his prior connection with several players at the club.
As a former player of FC Barcelona, Mascherano shared a locker room with the current stars of Inter Miami: Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez.
That connection promises a smooth transition and a collaborative work environment in their new role.
Additionally, during his time as coach of the Argentine youth national teams, he worked with young talents such as Tomás Avilés, Facundo Farías, Federico Redondo, and Benjamin Cremaschi, who are now part of the team.
Known as "el Jefecito," Mascherano had a remarkable career as a player.
He stood out at clubs like Liverpool FC, FC Barcelona, and River Plate, amassing titles and leaving an indelible mark on each team.
His impressive record includes two UEFA Champions League titles, five LaLiga titles, and numerous national and international trophies.
In addition, with 147 appearances for the Argentina national team, he is the second player with the most matches in the history of his country, surpassed only by Lionel Messi, who currently leads Inter Miami on the field.
The Argentine arrives after having coached the U-20 and Olympic youth teams of Argentina, with which he gained experience in high-level international competitions, including the 2023 U-20 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.
Statements from the club and Mascherano himself.
The managing owner of Inter Miami, Jorge Mas, emphasized the significance of this signing:
"This role requires someone with the necessary experience to maximize our unique collection of talents. Javier possesses the combination of skills and experience we have been looking for. We believe he is a crucial addition to continue our pursuit of excellence and set a new standard for football in North America."
The co-owner of the team, David Beckham, also expressed his enthusiasm.
"Throughout his career, Javier has shown tireless determination backed by his knowledge and understanding of the game. We are excited to welcome him to lead our team," said Beckham.
Mascherano also shared his excitement about the appointment, which he described as an "honor" and a "privilege."
"I was drawn to the organization's undeniable ambition and its infrastructure. I am eager to work with the team to achieve new goals and provide fans with unforgettable moments," he added.
The legacy of Martino and the challenge of Mascherano
Mascherano will replace his compatriot Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who resigned from the position last week for personal reasons.
Martino, 62 years old, achieved significant milestones as head of the team, setting a record for points in the regular season and leading the club to the top of the MLS.
However, the unexpected elimination in the playoffs marked the end of this chapter. Now, the challenge of surpassing those achievements falls on Mascherano.
The official presentation of Javier Mascherano as the coach of Inter Miami is scheduled for December 3 at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
That date marks the beginning of a period filled with expectations, just prior to the draw for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, where Inter Miami will compete alongside the best teams in the world.
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