Javier Mascherano, the former Argentina, Liverpool, and Barcelona midfielder, has been named the new head coach of Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
The 40-year-old, who also had stints at River Plate and West Ham, has signed a three-year contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2027 MLS season. He takes over from Gerardo Martino, who resigned last week citing “personal reasons.”
This appointment marks a reunion for Mascherano with his former Argentina and Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami in July 2023.
“Javier has always exemplified what makes him great throughout his career — relentless determination, paired with the knowledge, instincts, and understanding that define him,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
Mascherano expressed his excitement about the opportunity, saying, “It is an honor and a privilege to lead a club like Inter Miami, and I will strive to make the most of this opportunity.”
During his illustrious playing career, Mascherano won 21 major trophies, including five La Liga titles and two Champions League titles with Barcelona.
He also made 147 appearances for Argentina, making him the second-most capped player in the country’s history behind Messi. His international career included participation in four World Cups, where he helped Argentina reach the 2014 final, only to lose to Germany.
After retiring in 2020, Mascherano took on coaching roles, first as the head coach of Argentina’s Under-20 team, and then as the coach of the national team during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In other MLS coaching news, former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg has been appointed head coach of St Louis City. The 47-year-old joins from Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna, whom he led to a club-record 10th-place finish in the Swedish top flight. Mellberg, who made 260 appearances for Villa between 2001 and 2008, has also played for Juventus, Olympiakos, and Villarreal, and earned 117 caps for Sweden during his career.