Javier Mascherano leaves Inter Miami as Lionel Messi rift rumours dismissed
Javier Mascherano has resigned as head coach of Inter Miami after citing personal reasons, with insiders dismissing rumours of a rift with captain Lionel Messi.
The 41-year-old guided the Florida-based franchise to their first MLS Cup triumph in 2025 after taking charge the previous year.
His sudden departure just four months after securing that historic silverware prompted speculation regarding a potential fallout with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Rumours of locker room unrest denied
Reports had suggested the former Barcelona and Argentina midfielder was either sacked or walked away due to a fractured relationship with the 38-year-old forward.
Messi wields significant influence within the American club and maintains a close relationship with Guillermo Hoyos, who has stepped in as interim manager.
However, sources have revealed that the speculation regarding a breakdown between the two footballing icons is entirely unfounded.
“In recent weeks, he had been realising that, after having won the title last December, his cycle at the club felt done,” an insider explained to the Daily Mail.
A changing of the guard in Florida
The anonymous source added that the departing manager simply wanted to take a different personal path to allow the team to progress with renewed energy.
The Argentine tactician and his talismanic captain share a deep personal friendship having played together extensively at both club and international level, including the 2014 World Cup final.
This managerial change marks another significant shift for the Major League Soccer outfit following the recent retirements of Spanish veterans Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
“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,” the outgoing coach stated upon his exit.
