Sports Desk: Just four months after leading Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title, Javier Mascherano has unexpectedly resigned from his position as head coach.
Despite starting the new season with high ambitions, the Argentine tactician has decided to leave the Florida-based club just seven matches into the league campaign.
The Resignation
In an official statement released on Tuesday, Inter Miami confirmed that Mascherano stepped down citing “personal reasons.” Sources told ESPN that Mascherano formally notified the club authorities of his decision following last Saturday’s 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls.
Mascherano’s Farewell Message
In his departure statement, Mascherano expressed his gratitude:
“I want to inform everyone that for personal reasons, I have decided to step down as head coach of Inter Miami. I want to thank the club for their trust in me and every staff member for their collective effort. Most importantly, I am grateful to the players—because of them, we enjoyed many unforgettable moments.”
A Historic Tenure
Mascherano, a former teammate of Lionel Messi at Barcelona and the Argentina national team, took over the coaching reins in November 2024, succeeding Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. During his roughly 1.5-year tenure, he became the most successful coach in the club’s history.
Key highlights of his time at Inter Miami include:
-
Historical Milestone: Guided the club to its first MLS Cup title in 2025.
-
Record Stats: Averaged 1.93 points per match, the highest in club history.
-
Overall Record: Managed 67 matches with 38 wins, 15 draws, and 14 losses.
-
Deep Runs: Led the team to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinals and the Leagues Cup final.
Club Reaction
Club owner Jorge Mas praised the departing coach, stating, “Javier will always be a part of this club’s history and hold a special place in the Inter Miami family. His dedication, daily hard work, and leadership during our MLS Cup win and historic Club World Cup performance are exemplary.”
The New Era
Inter Miami has moved quickly to fill the void. Guillermo Hoyos, who was serving as the club’s Sporting Director, will take over as the head coach of the first team. Hoyos brings a wealth of experience, having coached clubs in various international leagues and served as the head coach of the Bolivia national team.
Currently, seven matches into the 2026 season, Inter Miami sits in third place in the Eastern Conference, though they recently suffered an exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup at the hands of Nashville.