Inter Miami’s best options to coach Lionel Messi after Javier Mascherano’s sudden resignation

Javier Mascherano’s shock decision to resign as the head coach of Inter Miami presents an interesting problem for the club. For the time being, despite leading the Herons to the 2025 MLS Cup title, Mascherano’s tenure in the 2026 season hit an immediate roadblock, with the former Barcelona and Liverpool midfielder citing ‘personal reasons’ behind his decision, per the official statement.

Before his exit, Miami posted a mediocre 3-3-1 record (12 points) through seven matches, sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference. Critically, the team suffered a premature exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, a tournament the front office had publicly prioritized.

The club has moved swiftly to stabilize the technical side, appointing Guillermo Hoyos as interim head coach. Hoyos, 62, transitions from his role as Director of Youth Development, and may as well prove to be a more permanent appointment. He brings a diverse managerial portfolio spanning Argentina, Bolivia, Greece and Cyprus, including two league titles with Bolivar.

However, a number of coaches from across MLS and Europe could also be seen as ideal fits, especially considering the possession-heavy playing style that Miami has adopted since the arrival of Lionel Messi. Among them is Xavi Hernandez, who may as well be seen as an unlikely prospect considering his experience thus far. However, Xavi is also the most natural successor for a squad built on the “Barça DNA” philosophy. His tenure at FC Barcelona yielded the 2022-23 La Liga title and the Spanish Super Cup, and taking over a squad that boasts of stars such as Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba may as well prove enticing.

Moving on, we have arguably the second-most ambitious prospect on this list, in the form of Lionel Scaloni. Since taking over La Albiceleste in 2018, Scaloni has achieved the ultimate international trifecta: the 2022 World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles. While a move to MLS would be a shift in prestige, his history of maximizing Messi’s output in high-stakes environments suggests he could instantly turn Miami’s 3-3-1 season start back into a championship trajectory.

The following prospects, however, may prove to be much more realistic.

Who can (realistically) replace Javier Mascherano?

If Inter Miami prioritizes proven domestic dominance, Wilfried Nancy is the clear frontrunner. The French-Canadian tactician has a resume defined by MLS silverware, including the 2023 MLS Cup, the 2024 Leagues Cup, and a run to the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup final with the Columbus Crew.

Known for a sophisticated, possession-oriented attacking style, Nancy has a track record of developing elite talent like Cucho Hernández and Alistair Johnston. Further, his availability following a stint at Celtic FC offers Miami a chance to hire a manager who already understands the league and its demands.

Moving on, we have Marcelo Gallardo, who over two stints with River Plate has amassed an incredible trophy haul, including the 2015 and 2018 Copa Libertadores and the 2021 Primera División title. Gallardo has been on Miami’s radar since 2019, and his familiarity with the American landscape, having played for D.C. United in 2008, makes him an obvious fit.

The last and the final candidate on this list also has immense MLS experience, in the form of Matías Almeyda. Of course, his stint with the San Jose Earthquakes did not result in trophies.
However, that was not true during his time with Chivas Guadalajara, who he led to the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League title.

While there is little doubt that candidates such as Xavi and Scaloni have the experience and the calibre, in the sense that they will arguably be a major upgrade on Mascherano, others on the list may prove to be more gettable for Miami.

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