Javier Mascherano sought the opinion of former teammate Lionel Messi before agreeing to become the new coach of Inter Miami.
The pair were long-time colleagues with both Barcelona and the Argentina national team but the dynamic will now change with Mascherano in charge of a Miami locker room that is dominated by Messi, as well as fellow former Barca players Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergi Busquets.
Mascherano takes over from Tata Martino after the team won the MLS Supporters’ Shield but then made a disappointing early exit from the postseason after losing in three games to Atlanta United.
Las primeras palabras de Mascherano como nuestro nuevo entrenador ✨🩷🖤 @Mascherano pic.twitter.com/dzdDuth27y
— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) December 2, 2024
Sceptics have questioned how Mascherano will be able to manage players he is close with, but the 40-year-old is confident he can use the relationships to his advantage.
“We must remember that it is not that we’re making that change [from teammate to coach] right now, a lot of water has passed under the bridge,” Mascherano told ESPN. “I left Barcelona in 2018, and a lot has changed. We are grown-up people, we know how to differentiate things.
“I think life is easier when we do things naturally, and not force situations. I take it as an advantage to be able to know each other, to have had them as teammates and obviously to have great players like them now.”
I have a fluid relationship with Leo – Mascherano
Mascherano spoke to Messi before agreeing to move to South Florida having worked previously as Argentina Under-20 and Under-23 coach.
“I had a talk with Leo to get his opinion,” Mascherano added. “I am lucky to have a very fluid relationship with him and that allows me to be sincere and be able to talk to him in depth and for him to be honest with me about what he thought.
“He is a person who does not usually get involved too much. Obviously, we know the influence and importance that Leo has, and has had throughout his career in all teams and clubs. I am very happy to be here and look forward to starting training.”
