Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami have appointed former Argentina international Javier Mascherano as their new head coach, Afrosport reports.
The former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder has signed a three-year contract to manage the Herons until the end of the 2027 MLS season, the club announced on Tuesday.
Mascherano replaces compatriot Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who stepped down from his role as head coach last week for “personal reasons”.
New coach in charge for @InterMiamiCF.
The Argentina and Barcelona legend named head coach. pic.twitter.com/nGVgrMYWrM
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) November 26, 2024
The 40-year-old, who was recently in charge of the Argentina Under-20 and Olympic national teams, will reunite with former club and country teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami after the latter joined the club in July 2023.
“To be able to lead a club like Inter Miami is an honour for me, and a privilege I will strive to make the most of,” said Mascherano. “I was drawn to the organisation’s undeniable ambition, and the infrastructure it has to support it.
“I’m looking forward to working with the people at Inter Miami to help the club reach new heights, and to give the fans more unforgettable moments.”
David Beckham, Inter Miami’s co-owner said: “Throughout his career as one of the world’s best players and as an experienced coach, Javier has always demonstrated what makes him great – relentless determination with the knowledge, instincts and understanding to back it up. We’re very excited to welcome him to lead our team.”
The Argentine won 21 titles during his club career, including five La Liga titles, two Champions Leagues, and two FIFA Club World Cups with Barcelona.
Mascherano made 147 appearances for Argentina, the second-most in the country’s history behind Messi. He played in five Copa América tournaments and four World Cups, as well as reaching the final in 2014 when they lost to Germany.
Following his retirement as a player in 2020, Mascherano was named Argentina U-20 coach in December 2021, leading them to several tournaments, including the U-20 FIFA World Cup, South American Games, and 2024 Olympic Games.
Mascherano will resume his position following the completion of his “work documentation,” with his coaching staff to be announced “at a later date.”.
