Messi's former teammate Mascherano to become Inter Miami's new coach: Reports

Inter Miami is on the verge of hiring Javier Mascherano as its new coach, according to multiple reports on Saturday.

Mascherano, 40, is a former teammate of Miami star Lionel Messi. The two were teammates at FC Barcelona from 2010-18.

Inter Miami's job came open Friday when Gerardo "Tata" Martino resigned due to personal reasons.

Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas told reporters on Friday that the club was close to making a hire. He also said that he sought out Messi's input.

"Leo shared his thoughts with me," Mas said. "This is a very attractive position for a coach."

Mascherano also played with Messi for Argentina and is a former captain of the national team. He won two Olympic gold medals as a player.

Mascherano has served as head coach of the Argentina under-20 and under-23 teams and also coached Argentina in the 2024 Olympics at Paris. The squad lost to France in the quarterfinals.

Either way, leading a top-flight MLS team would rate as a step up.

Plus, Miami won the Supporter's Shield with a league-record 74 points this season. But the club was eliminated in a stunning first-round upset at the hands of Atlanta United.

Messi, 37, recorded 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 MLS matches (15 starts) this season, his first full season with Inter Miami.