Inter Miami have confirmed the appointment of Javier Mascherano, with the Argentina coach succeeding Tata Martino as manager of the Herons.
The former FC Barcelona defender reunites with former teammates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets in Florida with Mascherano taking on his first club role having managed various Argentina youth teams in the last four years.
Although Shaka Hislop has questioned Inter Miami’s decision to appoint Mascherano, the former Liverpool and West Ham star is no doubt an exciting hire for the Herons, who are keen to build on from this season’s Supporters’ Shield success under Martino.
And Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has now sent a message to fans after Mascherano’s appointment.
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Beckham ‘very excited’ for Mascherano’s Inter Miami tenure
Speaking to Inter Miami’s official website, the former England international praised Mascherano’s qualities as a coach and as a player, with Beckham excited for this new era of the Herons to begin.
Mascherano is already interested in signing Angel Di Maria for Inter Miami with the Florida franchise set for a busy winter window which could see a number of high-profile players join the MLS giants for next season.
And Beckham is excited for what Mascherano will bring to the table, with the young coach having a big task on his hands in leading Inter Miami to MLS Cup and CONCACAF Champions Cup success next year.
Beckham said: “Throughout his career as one of the world’s best players and as an experienced coach, Javier has always demonstrated what makes him great – relentless determination with the knowledge, instincts and understanding to back it up. We’re very excited to welcome him to lead our team.”
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Mascherano is a risky but exciting appointment for the Herons
MLS is an intimidating first league for any manager to start their time on the touchline, with the likes of Patrick Vieira, Veljko Paunovic and Jesse Marsch all getting their first starts in the league before going on to have impressed as managers.
And for Inter Miami, appointing Mascherano represents a gamble that the Herons are willing to take in the hope that the Argentina coach ends up becoming one of the success stories that MLS has seen from managers taking up their first club role in the league.
Indeed, Mascherano enjoyed a stellar career as a player, and Inter Miami could be the start of a great new path for the Argentine as a manager, with the coach surrounded by former teammates in Messi and Busquets.