DAVID BECKHAM has appointed former Prem star Javier Mascherano as Inter Miami's new manager, according to reports.
Mascherano, 40, will now coach his ex-Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
The former Liverpool star has signed a long-term contract with the MLS franchise, according to transfer journalist Cesar Luis Merlo.
He will also leave his position as manager of the Argentina under-20 team, where he coaches a number of young talents from Inter Miami.
It is Mascherano's first role at a senior club, as Athletic report that documents are “in preparation”.
Gerardo 'Tata' Martino stepped down as gaffer just three days ago following Miami's shock elimination in the first round of the MLS play-offs.
Miami lost the three-game series with a 3–2 loss in Game 3 to Atlanta United, sealing their exit and ending their 2024 season.
Messi, Alba and Suarez played in all three matches, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or scoring in the final defeat.
Mascherano joined Liverpool in 2006 and spent three seasons at Anfield, where he was part of a great midfield trio with Steven Gerrard and Xabi Alonso.
Mascherano went on to win trophies with Messi, Suarez, Alba and Busquets during his eight seasons at Barcelona.
During his time in Spain, Mascherano won five LaLiga titles and the Champions League twice.
He is not the first former Prem star to take charge of Inter. Phil Neville previously managed the club for two and a half years before being sacked by friend Beckham.
Martino, who guided Miami to the best regular season record in MLS history this season, made the decision to leave for personal reasons.
The 61-year-old Martino – who also coached Messi at Barcelona and the Argentina national team before reuniting with him in South Florida – showed no signs of leaving when the season ended earlier this month.
Miami was 26-9-12 in the MLS regular season and won the Leagues Cup and Supporters Shield in 2023.
Mascherano is likely to have a hectic 2025 as the team is likely to embark on another international pre-season tour.
There's also the 34-match MLS slate and Miami will also be one of the teams in the Club World Cup starting in June.
But Miami won't meet for training camp to start the 2025 season until January.
Mascherano is the latest ex-Messi teammate to join the MLS franchise, but the first in a coaching role.
He coached Argentina to a quarter-final appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, losing to silver medalists France.
It is likely to be the last year that all four of the team's ex-Barcelona superstars will be present.
Busquets and Messi see their contracts expire after the 2025 season, Suarez is negotiating a one-year extension and Alba has an option for another year on his contract.
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