Official: Javier Mascherano resigns as Inter Miami head coach

Tom Weber

• 14 Apr 2026 12:33 CDT
• 5 min read

News

Javier Mascherano has resigned from his position as Inter Miami head coach, leaving Lionel Messi and the club in limbo.

The former Argentina international was appointed ahead of the 2025 season following the resignation of Tata Martino at the end of the 2024 playoffs, during which Inter Miami, the reigning Supporters' Shield holders, were upset by Atlanta United in the first round.

A former Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder, Mascherano arrived with plenty of fanfare, but many had their reservations given his inexperience coaching at the highest level.

The doubters initially seemed correct, but Mascherano, helped by his squad's massive talent advantage, managed to turn things around. In the summer, he reached the final of Leagues Cup, where his side were defeated by the Seattle Sounders.

Miami finished the regular MLS season third in the Eastern Conference, level on points with FC Cincinnati, before going on an impressive playoff run. A tactical tweak that saw legendary but past-his-best striker Luis Suarez dropped made Miami an unstoppable force as they romped to MLS Cup.

Mascherano resigns

However, Mascherano has now resigned from his post just nine games into the 2026 season. This year was supposed to be a confirmation of Miami's status as the biggest powerhouse in MLS, but the Herons have not been particularly scary opposition thus far.

They were knocked out of CONCACAF Champions Cup by league rivals Nashville SC in the round of 16 and have only won three of their seven matches in MLS.

Miami recently opened their new stadium - the aptly named Nu Stadium - but they have yet to win in their soccer-specific ground, drawing 1-1 with Austin FC and 2-2 with the New York Red Bulls.

Mascherano cited personal reasons behind his decision to call it quits. "I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF," he is quoted as saying in a club statement.

"First and foremost, I would like to thank the Club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organization for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments.

"I also want to thank the fans and La Familia, because none of this would have been possible without them.

"I will always carry with me the memory of our first star, and wherever I am, I will continue to wish the Club all the best moving forward. I have no doubt that the Club will continue to achieve success in the future. Sending you all a big hug, and thank you for everything."

Sporting director Guillermo Hoyos will assume coaching responsibilities "for the upcoming matches," while Miami's current Chief Soccer Officer Alberto Marrero will replace Hoyos as sporting director.

What does this mean for Miami?

While this is a seismic announcement, it does not change much for Miami. Given that they are already out of CONCACAF Champions Cup, they only have MLS commitments until the World Cup break.

Miami's MLS season won't be defined by the matches that take place before this break. There are eight games to play between now and the end of May, with the Herons currently sitting third in the East.

Even if Hoyos endures a disastrous interim spell, Miami are unlikely to be out of playoff contention by the time the World Cup rolls around. You would think that they would use that break to bring in a new permanent head coach, if they don't already have one by that point.

A fresh impulse from Hoyos could also be just what this team needs. Mascherano appeared to run out of ideas on how to get the best out of all of his star players, which was reflected in big-money striker German Berterame not scoring a single goal until the weekend.

Mascherano has done Miami a favour by getting out early in the season, even if the trophy the club most wanted to win - CONCACAF Champions Cup - is already unattainable.

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