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Will ex-teammate become Messi’s new coach?

Can Lionel Messi soon be happy? An ex-teammate is the favorite for the coaching job at Inter Miami.(Bild: AFP/APA/Chris Arjoon)

Gerardo Martino officially resigned as coach of Inter Miami on Friday. The former Argentine team boss led the team led by soccer star Lionel Messi to victory in the basic round of Major League Soccer, but was knocked out in the first play-off round. According to media reports, Messi will once again have a compatriot and former companion as his coach. According to reports, Javier Mascherano is to coach the club of co-owner David Beckham.

Martino announced his resignation for personal reasons at a press conference on Friday. He said he was leaving the club with nothing but gratitude. The 62-year-old, who like Messi comes from Rosario, had taken over the team in the summer of 2023.

Javier Mascherano (l.) and Lionel Messi (r.)(Bild: APA/AFP/Roman Kruchinin)

Mascherano long-time companion of Messi
Mascherano is set to succeed him. The 40-year-old currently coaches Argentina's U20 team. According to the sports newspaper "Olé", he is said to have already received the go-ahead for the move from the association boss. Mascherano played for many years in the Premier League in England and together with Messi at FC Barcelona from summer 2010 to January 2018. The two also played together in the national team for many years and Mascherano was one of the most important players alongside Messi. After the 2018 World Cup disaster in Russia, where he was knocked out in the round of 16 and played 147 international matches, the defensive-minded midfielder announced his retirement.