Javier Mascherano has been unveiled as the new manager of Inter Miami, with the former FC Barcelona defender reuniting with Lionel Messi.
The pair played over 200 games together for club and country as Mascherano starred with Messi during the peak of the superstar attacker’s career, with the Argentine coach now set to reunite with the forward on the touchline.
With Mascherano already planning to sign the likes of Angel Di Maria, Inter Miami are about to embark on an exciting new journey with the 40-year-old manager, who could be key to Messi and company finally winning major silverware with the Herons in 2025.
And Mascherano has now shared if Messi had a role in his decision to join Inter Miami.
Mascherano says he had a talk with Messi about joining Inter Miami
Speaking to ESPN, the former Argentina U-23 manager revealed that he did speak with Messi to get his opinion on taking the Inter Miami job, with Mascherano excited about his new role in soccer after two years with his national team.
With Inter Miami owner Jorge Mas sharing that he tried to sign Mascherano for the Herons back in 2019, the coach finally making it to Florida is oddly poetic, and Messi’s influence seemingly played a factor in the 40-year-old making the switch to Chase Stadium.
Mascherano said when asked if he spoke to Messi: “I had a talk with Leo to get his opinion. 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.”
Messi will have to go above and beyond to help his new manager next year
Mascherano is entering unfamiliar territory with Inter Miami next year, with the Argentine yet to take on a club role, let alone one as big as what the Florida franchise are expecting next season in terms of silverware.
And for the likes of Messi and Inter Miami’s other star players, they are aware that they will need to go above and beyond if they’re to help Mascherano succeed at Chase Stadium, where the pressure will be on for the former Liverpool defender to succeed.
Indeed, Mascherano knows the players and has an idea on what system he wants to play next season, and Messi and friends will need to be at their best if they’re to help their former teammate succeed in MLS at Inter Miami.