Inter Miami could appoint Lionel Messi's ex-Barcelona teammate as head coach as Tata Martino comes under fire following MLS Cup exit: Reports
Inter Miami could look to exploit their Lionel Messi and Barcelona connections for their next coach as Tata Martino come under fire, as per El Crack Deportivo (via InterMiamiNews). The Argentine tactician saw his side face a shock exit from the MLS Cup playoffs at the hands of Atlanta United.
Despite finishing the MLS Regular Season with a record 74 points and winning the Supporters' Shield, Martino's Inter Miami were dumped out of the playoffs at the first hurdle. Atlanta United made a stunning comeback losing the first game of the series to claim a 2-1 overall win, with the decisive win coming on Inter Miami's turf.
The result is expected to have an effect on who begins the 2025 season in the home dugout at the Chase Stadium. The report points out that former Barcelona coach Xavi is being considered a potential replacement for Martino.
Messi's signing in 2023 preceded an upturn in the fortunes of the MLS club, and they quickly followed it by adding a number of ex-Barcelona stars. Former Blaugrana coach Martino replaced Phil Neville at the helm of their affairs shortly before the arrival of Messi and the other big names.
Tata Martino led the club to the Leagues Cup, their first major trophy, within months of his appointment in the summer of 2023. The vastly experienced tactician then led the side to record the best-ever regular season in MLS history and win their second trophy.
Lionel Messi and Xavi played together under Martino at Barcelona, with the former midfielder going on to manage the club. The Spaniard was fired at the end of the 2023-24 season, with German tactician Hansi Flick replacing him.
Argentina legend claims Lionel Messi is happier in Miami than at Barcelona
Argentina legend Mario Kempes has claimed that talismanic forward Lionel Messi is happier playing for Inter Miami than he was at Barcelona. The 37-year-old has spent the last 18 months on the books of the MLS side after joining them from Paris Saint-Germain.
Messi has enjoyed a successful stint in Florida, winning two trophies as captain of the club and becoming their record goalscorer. Kempes spoke with TNT Sports about the forward playing for Inter Miami, pointing out that he enjoys his game more at the club.
“Messi is three times happier playing in Inter Miami than in Barcelona. It's not about coming in and having to be focused for the whole 90 minutes. He plays when he wants to,” Kempes said (via GOAL).
Lionel Messi is contracted to Inter Miami until 2025. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will play in the FIFA Club World Cup with his side in the summer of 2025.