Inter Miami CF has officially announced that Argentine Javier Mascherano, aged 40, will be taking the reins as their head coach. Mascherano's contract with the club extends until the 2027 Major League Soccer (MLS) season, and he will commence his duties once his work documentation is finalized.
Significance of Mascherano's Appointment
The hiring of Mascherano is particularly noteworthy due to his prior associations with several Inter Miami players. As a former FC Barcelona player, Mascherano has shared the locker room with current Inter Miami stars such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez. This connection is expected to facilitate a smooth transition and foster a collaborative working environment.
Mascherano's Track Record and Experience
Known as "el Jefecito," Mascherano boasts an illustrious career as a player, having made significant impacts at clubs like Liverpool FC, FC Barcelona, and River Plate. His achievements include two UEFA Champions League titles, five LaLiga championships, and an array of other domestic and international honors. With 147 caps for the Argentine national team, he stands as the nation's second-most capped player, trailing only Messi, who currently leads Inter Miami on the pitch.
Before joining Inter Miami, Mascherano amassed coaching experience with Argentina's youth teams, including the U-20 and Olympic squads. He participated in high-level international competitions such as the 2023 U-20 World Cup and the 2024 Olympic Games, working with young talents like Tomás Avilés, Facundo Farías, Federico Redondo, and Benjamin Cremaschi, who are now part of the Inter Miami roster.
Statements from the Club and Mascherano
Jorge Mas, the managing owner of Inter Miami, emphasized the importance of Mascherano's recruitment: "This role demands someone with the requisite experience to harness our unique pool of talent. Javier possesses the blend of skills and expertise we were seeking. We believe he is a critical addition to our pursuit of excellence and in setting a new standard for soccer in North America."
Co-owner David Beckham also shared his excitement: "Throughout his career, Javier has shown relentless determination backed by a profound understanding of the game. We are thrilled to welcome him as the leader of our team," Beckham stated.
Mascherano expressed his enthusiasm about the role, describing it as an "honor" and a "privilege." "I was drawn to the organization's undeniable ambition and infrastructure. I look forward to working with the team to achieve new milestones and deliver unforgettable moments to the fans," he added.
The Legacy of Martino and Mascherano's Challenge
Mascherano steps in to replace fellow Argentine Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who stepped down last week due to personal reasons. Martino, 62, achieved significant milestones, setting a regular-season points record and propelling the club to the top of the MLS standings. However, an unexpected playoff exit marked the end of his tenure. Now, the task of surpassing these accomplishments falls to Mascherano.
The official introduction of Javier Mascherano as Inter Miami's coach is slated for December 3 at the Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale. This date signifies the beginning of a highly anticipated era, coinciding with the lead-up to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup draw, where Inter Miami will compete alongside the world's elite teams.