Lionel Messi's former Barcelona teammates shortlisted for vacant Inter Miami head coach role: Reports
Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami are looking to appoint a manager soon following Tata Martino's reported decision to leave the Herons. The MLS side have shortlisted Xavi, Javier Mascherano, and Sylvinho, as per Mundo Deportivo.
The report claims that Lionel Messi's former Barcelona teammates Xavi and Mascherano are the front runners for the job. General manager Xavier Asensi is a key figure at Inter Miami, who is pushing for the appointment of the former Barcelona players.
Xavi has been without a club since he was sacked by Barcelona and reports suggest he is leading the race. Inter Miami are keen on getting a manager who can improve on their record-breaking MLS season and see the Spaniard as an ideal candidate.
Tata Martino has reportedly decided to resign after the MLS club exited the playoffs in Round One after their loss to Atlanta United. They are yet to announce the decision, but reports suggest it will be done on Friday in a press conference.
Martino has opted to leave due to personal reasons, and Inter Miami are already on the hunt for a new manager. Should they get a deal done with a replacement, it would not be a surprise if they announced the replacement along with Martino's exit on Friday.
Xavi wanted Lionel Messi at Barcelona in 2023
Former Spain midfielder Xavi wanted to sign Lionel Messi at Barcelona while he was the manager, but the Argentine legend opted to join Inter Miami.
During an interview in the summer of 2023, Xavi stated that he had noticed a change in his former teammate and told Jijantes (via GOAL):
"I have noticed a change in him over the last few days and weeks. He doesn't see things as clearly and we have to respect him. We often don't put ourselves in someone else's situation, we lack empathy. Being Leo Messi can't be easy. He never has any peace and has to be a 10 in everything. He has seen that he hasn't had a good time and he doesn't want this kind of pressure, it's normal."
"The excitement was generated because we both talked, we have talked a lot. We were all looking forward to it, first for him, then for me and then for the club. But the circumstances didn't work out... He wanted to lower the level of pressure and tension. He wants a quieter life," he added.
Lionel Messi and Xavi played 399 matches together at Barcelona. They combined for 42 goals and the Argentine icon will be hoping for more silverware if the Spaniard joins him at Inter Miami.