Sources: Mascherano nears Miami; Martino exits

Javier Mascherano is set to become the new head coach of Inter Miami in the upcoming days as the two parties finalize contract negotiations, sources have confirmed to ESPN.

Mascherano will leave his post as manager of Argentina’s youth team to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons throughout the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who exits the club after a year and a half due to personal reasons.

Inter Miami kicked off the search for a new head coach Nov. 16 just hours after co-owner Jorge Mas and president of football operations Raúl Sanllehi were informed of the departure of Martino.

“I found out on Friday, I had a conversation with Gerardo Martino on Saturday morning at 11 a.m.,” Mas said in a news conference Friday. “Our coaching search started at 11:01.

“We had a list; this is an extremely attractive job and position for a coach. We got it down to three final candidates by Tuesday and we made — David Beckham, Raúl, my brother José Mas and myself — made the decision two days ago and we will announce the coach in the next few days. Knowing that this isn’t our first coaching search, I’ve been involved in interviewing the world’s greatest since 2019.”

Mas emphasized that the team did not prioritize Major League Soccer experience, but instead looked for a leader who could manage the locker room well considering the caliber of players on the roster.

Before finalizing the name, the Inter Miami co-owner looked to Lionel Messi for advice on how to proceed with the candidates.

“Experience in MLS would be good, but I don’t think it’s the principal criteria. I think it’s more about how you manage the roster with unlimited potential,” Mas said. “I spoke to Leo on Saturday after he and Tata spoke. I asked him what is important to you and what is important to get the best of our roster. How do we improve? Leo shared with me his thoughts, not dissimilar to what I explained.

“Without a doubt a familiarity with Leo and the other stars is an advantage in every aspect. I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new trainer and coach. We went out and spearheaded that. Leo gave me what I asked him, which is input. But that was his involvement and engagement with me.”

Mascherano and Messi played together for eight seasons at Barcelona and also competed regularly for the Argentina national team.

In Spain, Mascherano and Messi inspired Barcelona to the 2011 and 2015 Champions League titles and five LaLiga trophies.

Mascherano, who also played for Liverpool and West Ham, led Argentina’s U23s to the quarterfinals of the soccer competition at the Paris Olympics in August.