Tata Martino’s position at Inter Miami is under question after the MLS Cup playoff defeat against Atlanta United.
The 61-year-old failed to build on Inter Miami’s MLS Supporters’ Shield victory with a win over Atlanta United, bringing a premature end to the season and raising question marks over his future.
It remains to be seen what happens to Tata Martino after such a shock defeat, with El Crack Deportivo already claiming that Xavi Hernandez could arrive in Miami to replace him.
If that appointment does materialise, Lionel Messi would be pleased, while David Beckham would also be hiring one of few managers in history to oversee an unbeaten campaign.
Xavi once recorded an invincible season
Before moving to Barcelona in 2022 and guiding his beloved Blaugrana to La Liga glory in the 2022/23 campaign, the Spaniard made a name for himself in the coaching world at Al-Sadd.
The Qatari side enjoyed great success under Xavi, winning the Qatar Stars League with 19 wins and three draws in 22 outings throughout the 2021/22 campaign, with his team scoring 77 goals and conceding just 14.
It was a phenomenal achievement from Xavi – one that should help fill the Inter Miami fanbase with plenty of confidence if he does end up replacing Martino.
What Inter Miami No.10 Lionel Messi has said about Xavi
Messi – who Landon Donovan has criticised – made 399 appearances alongside Xavi while playing for Barcelona, winning practically every trophy there was to win.
During that period, the pair praised each other numerous times, but what does the Argentina international think of the 44-year-old as a coach?
Speaking to El Larguero in 2021, Messi said: “With Xavi, Barcelona are going to grow. He is a coach that knows a lot and that knows the home to perfection.”
The South American was proven right, as Xavi led Barcelona to La Liga glory in 2023 – also laying the foundations for the side who are currently thriving under Hansi Flick this term.