Tata Martino set to leave managerial post at Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami: Reports
According to GiveMeSport, Inter Miami manager Tata Martino is on the verge of leaving the Lionel Messi-led side. The report has come just days after the Herons' disappointing Round 1 exit at the hands of Atlanta United in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Playoffs.
Hailing from the same town as Argentine talisman Lionel Messi (Rosario), Martino has managed the 37-year-old at three different sides - Barcelona (2013-14), Argentina (2014-16) and Miami. The duo have enjoyed mixed success together, but their latest chapter is likely to come to an end after just a year and a half.
Driven by the stellar displays from their ex-Barcelona stars Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, Martino's side were the top seed in the 2024 Eastern Conference regular season. They set a host of records along the way, including for the regular-season points haul (74 points in 34 games) and second-most goals scored by a team ever (79 goals).
Despite his nagging injury woes, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was at the forefront of Miami's charge, bagging 20 goals and 10 assists in just 19 appearances. After lifting the Supporters' Shield, they were the favourites to win the MLS title.
Martino's side won Game 1 of their best-of-three Round 1 series by a margin of 2-1 over the Five Stripes. However, Rob Valentino's ninth-seeded side won the next two games 2-1 and 3-2, respectively, to dump Inter Miami out of the play-offs.
Despite having a year remaining on his contract, the legendary Argentine tactician is reportedly departing the Chase Stadium due to "personal reasons." If he does resign from his position, he will leave behind a rich legacy, including two trophies - the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield.
Which managers could replace Tata Martino at Lionel Messi's Inter Miami?
There are a selection of top-class tacticians who are currently without a managerial position. Given Inter Miami's style of play and squad, there are two likely candidates to take over from Tata Martino.
In an Instagram post, Miami superstar Lionel Messi reaffirmed his decision to continue playing for the Herons next year.
According to GiveMeSport, Tata Martino is on his way out after a horrendous Round 1 exit at the hands of Atlanta United in the 2024 MLS playoffs. The two most likely candidates to replace him are Messi's former Barcelona teammates Xavi Hernandez and Javier Mascherano.
Xavi coached Barca to a LaLiga and Supercopa de Espana double in the 2022-23 campaign. After his sacking in May 2024, he has been linked with a host of top European clubs, and is now linked with the potential vacancy at the Chase Stadium.
Mascherano, who made 414 appearances alongside Messi for club and country during his playing career, is now the coach of Argentina's Under-20 side. Due to his close relationship with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, he is likely to be one of the candidates for Inter Miami if Martino leaves the club.