The former Barcelona and Argentina teammates have reunited, with Inter Miami announcing Mascherano's hiring as the club's new coach is complete. The sides struck a deal late last week for Mascherano to replace Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who stepped aside for personal reasons.
Mascherano most recently was Argentina's under-20 team and Olympic coach. He's signed a three-year contract and will take over when paperwork is completed.
"This job requires somebody with the experience to be able to maximise our unique collection of talent — from our global superstars, to our burgeoning homegrown players, to our young international prospects, and everything in between," Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said.
"Javier has amassed unmatched experience in his career, from playing on the world's biggest stages, to coaching at the youth international level."
It's not just Messi that Mascherano is joining forces with again. Mascherano, when he was with Barcelona, also played alongside current Inter Miami players Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez — all of whom are expected back for the 2025 season.
"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," Mascherano said.
After Martino told the team he was stepping down, Messi was consulted about who he would want as the next coach — so it's more than reasonable to think this hiring came with his blessing.
"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 said last week. "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."
Mascherano inherits a team that won topped Major League Soccer's standings in the regular season, but fell short in the play-offs, falling to Atlanta United in a best-of-three first-round series.
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