FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Javier Mascherano’s first introductory press conference as the head coach of Inter Miami on Tuesday got off to a challenging start. He was coughing and struggled to articulate his thoughts, requiring some sips of water before he managed to regain his composure.
“I’m having trouble with the air conditioning here in Miami,” he explained, citing a common issue since his arrival.
Fortunately for Mascherano, all of Inter Miami’s games are played outdoors. Having previously played alongside Lionel Messi, Mascherano now takes on the role of Messi’s coach after being appointed last week to succeed Gerardo “Tata” Martino. He is already hard at work in his new position, focusing on preparations for a training camp slated to begin next month.
“I believe I can succeed in this role,” he asserted confidently. “I have no doubt.”
Mascherano, who played with Messi both at Barcelona and the Argentine national team, was chosen following a swift hiring process that took only a few days when Martino announced his departure for personal reasons.
Looking back, Mascherano’s connection to Inter Miami traces back five years. He was initially recruited by the franchise in August 2019, when they envisioned a dual-role arrangement: playing for the team in their inaugural season in 2020 before transitioning to a developmental coach for their academy the subsequent year. Those plans didn’t materialize at the time due to timing conflicts.
Fast forward five years, and he is finally part of the organization.
“I always believed he would be a fantastic mentor,” managing owner Jorge Mas commented. “Now, five years later, he’s here. It’s destiny.”
Martino’s time with Inter Miami lasted for 1.5 seasons, culminating in a Leagues Cup win in 2023 and a record-setting regular season performance that earned the Supporters Shield, before the team stumbled in the first round of the playoffs.
“Coaching this club represents a highly ambitious project for me,” Mascherano said.
At 40 years old, he is only three years older than Miami stars Messi and Luis Suarez. He has maintained close relationships with not just Messi, but also with Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets, all of whom he played with while at Barcelona.
Mascherano believes transitioning from a friend and teammate to coach will not pose a problem.
“I have strong connections with Leo and the three other players I’ve played alongside for quite some time. I acknowledge that. However, this is a professional setting. Work should be treated separately from friendship,” he remarked.
Most recently, Mascherano held the position of coach for Argentina’s under-20 and Olympic teams; he was released from the final two years of his contract in order to join Inter Miami, where he is now signed on for three years.
“I’m sincerely grateful to Argentina for recognizing that this is a significant opportunity for me and permitting me to pursue it,” Mascherano stated.
Martino arrived at Inter Miami with a comprehensive coaching background that included winning an MLS title and experience as a World Cup coach—working with both Messi and Mascherano during his time with Argentina.
In contrast, Mascherano is relatively new to high-level coaching. Nevertheless, he holds the record for the second-most international appearances for Argentina, trailing only Messi. He noted that his previous experiences with the national team, combined with his coaching at the youth level, have equipped him with a solid understanding of managing pressure and expectations.
“Of course, people will have their opinions on my capabilities, and that is certainly valid,” Mascherano acknowledged. “However, I am firmly convinced that I possess the capability to coach this team.”