Revealed: Lionel Messi’s role in Javier Mascherano appointment

Inter Miami's new head coach has close ties with the Argentine and Messi's involvement in the decision has been made clear.

When Inter Miami announced the departure of head coach Tata Martino last month, the two names in circulation to replace him – Javier Mascherano and Xavi Hernández – had one defining characteristic in common. Both elite players, Mascherano and Xavi, played for Barcelona and remain close friends with Miami captain Lionel Messi.

When Mascherano, Messi's club and international teammate, was announced last week, it came as no surprise. Recently, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas confirmed that he had sought Messi's advice before offering the job to Mascherano, who has no experience as a senior head coach.

“I had a specific conversation with him. Leo gave me what I asked him, and that was input,” Mas said at a press conference to announce Martino's departure. “That was Leo's commitment and involvement with me, what [happens] Honestly all the time.”

But in this case, Messi's involvement seems to come down to a strategic vision.

“I asked him, 'What is important to you? And what do you think is important to get the best out of our selection and our 11 and how can we improve?” Mas admitted to reporters. “And Leo shared his thoughts with me… Familiarity with Leo and the other stars is undoubtedly an advantage in every respect. Of course I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new trainer, now that the new coach is coming.”

It's no secret that Messi now exerts the kind of influence on the direction of a club that very few players in the history of football have ever had. At Barcelona he is said to have been regularly consulted on the recruitment of coaches, including Martino in 2013, but at Inter Miami it appears he will have an entire club built to his specifications.

Will it pay off? His on-court production has never been in doubt in Miami and he remains a gamechanger when he is available to play. If 2025 becomes his final season with the team, the Miami ownership group will have a real incentive to get the very best out of their superstar talent. What's less clear is whether this is the best way to go about it.