MLS
Revealed: Lionel Messi’s role in Javier Mascherano appointment
Inter Miami’s new head coach has close ties to the Argentine and Messi’s involvement in the decision has been made clear.
When Inter Miami announced the departure of head coach Tata Martino last month, the two names circulating to replace him - Javier Mascherano and Xavi Hernández - shared one defining characteristic. Both elite players, Mascherano and Xavi played for Barcelona and remain close friends with Miami captain Lionel Messi.
When Mascherano, a club and international teammate of Messi, was announced last week it came as no surprise. Speaking recently Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed that he had sought out Messi’s advice before offering the job to Mascherano, who has no experience as a senior head coach.
“I had a specific conversation with him. Leo gave me what I asked him, which was input,” Mas said at a press conference to announce Martino’s departure. “That was Leo’s involvement and engagement with me, which [happens] frankly all the time.”
But in this instance Messi’s involvement appears tantamount to a strategic vision.
“I asked him, ’What is important to you? And what do you think is important to get the best out of our roster and out of our 11 and how do we improve?” Mas admitted to reporters. “And Leo shared with me his thoughts... Without a doubt, a familiarity with Leo and the other stars is an advantage in every aspect. Obviously, I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new trainer, with the new coach coming in.”
It’s no secret that Messi now wields the sort of influence on a club’s direction that very few players in the history of the game have ever had. At Barcelona he was frequently said to have be consulted about coaching hires, including Martino in 2013, but at Inter Miami he looks set to have an entire club built to his specifications.
Will it pay off? His on-field production has never been in doubt in Miami and he continues to be a game-changer, when he’s available to play. If 2025 is to be his final season with the team, the Miami ownership group have a real incentive to get the very best from their superstar talent. What’s less clear, is whether this is the best way to go about it.
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