While it's true that Inter Miami isn’t playing to its best capabilities at the moment, they are still the reigning MLS Cup champions and are in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference. So when Javier Mascherano announced he was leaving his position as Inter Miami‘s manager on Tuesday, it was a shock to everyone.
Mascherano cited personal reasons for his decision. Hopefully, everything is okay with Mascherano in his personal life, but fans quickly picked up that Gerardo Martino had left the same position before Mascherano for personal reasons as well. It’s fair to wonder if the conditions are right for managers to succeed at the club, and if it’s a coveted job.
Coaching Lionel Messi should be enough to get anyone excited, though. That’s especially true if we consider potential replacements who have a link to Messi. The main one that has already been called for by fans is Xavi.
Xavi a possible option for Inter Miami to replace Javier Mascherano, as well as other Argentinians
Xavi hasn't managed a team since he left FC Barcelona during the summer of 2024. He has a strong relationship with Messi, seeing as they played together for a decade with the Blaugrana. He’s a logical option, but it’s possible Inter Miami once again targets a compatriot of Messi for the job.
Miami's last two managers have been Argentinian: Martino and Mascherano. They have also brought in plenty of Argentinian players to make Messi feel at home in South Florida. That could lead them to either of Marcelo Gallardo or Hernan Crespo.
Both Gallardo and Crespo have had a ton of success managing in South America. Gallardo's first stint at River Plate made him a legend at the club, but his second stint fell flat, leading to his departure this year. Crespo won the Copa Sudamericana with Defensa y Justicia in 2020, then won the Brazilian league with Sao Paulo in 2021. Despite sitting in second place in early March this season, Crespo was sacked in a stunning move.
Given Inter Miami's success over the past couple of seasons, plus the ability to coach Messi, the club should have no shortage of high-profile options to replace Mascherano.
