Inter Miami reject chance to hire Lionel Messi's former teammate as new manager: Reports
Inter Miami have reportedly snubbed the chance to sign Lionel Messi's former Barcelona teammate Xavier Hernandez as their next boss to replace Tata Martino. The Argentine resigned earlier this week following the Herons' MLS Playoffs exit.
Martino is undoubtedly the most successful coach in the club's short history, delivering their first-ever title last year - the Leagues Cup. He added to that tally this year as Miami won the Supporters' Shield - for topping the MLS regular-season points table.
Martino's side, though, failed to go all the way in the MLS Cup, getting upset in the first round by Atlanta United. Xavi - currently out of job after leaving Barca in the summer - emerged as one of the options due to the Blaugrana contingent in Miami.
However, as per SPORT45 (via Barca Universal), Xavi was never under consideration and that there haven't been any discussions between the Herons and the Spaniard's camp. The reason for that is said to be Xavi's 'strained' relationship with some of the former Barca players in the Herons' squad.
While Xavi's relationship with Sergio Busquets appears to be the strongest, he shares a 'cordial' relationship with Messi. However, he doesn't seem to have a good relation with Jordi Alba, both personally and professionally.
How has Lionel Messi fared with Inter Miami this season?
Lionel Messi has had a decent first full season with Inter Miami since arriving as a free agent last summer. Despite enduring an injury-plagued campaign, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner registered 23 goals and 13 assists in 25 games across competitions.
That includes 20 goals and 10 assists in 19 games in the MLS regular season as the Herons won their first Supporters' Shield. The triumph marked a record-extending 46th title for Messi with club and country, with his 45th coming just a few months ago with Argentina - the 2024 Copa America.
Messi also bagged a goal and an assist in three games in the MLS Cup Playoffs, but Miami lost the last two games (2-1 away, 3-2 home) after winning the first 2-1 at home.
The former Barcelona attacker's other goal contributions - two goals and two assists in three games - during the season came in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Messi and Co. lost 5-2 on aggregate to Monterrey in the quarter-finals, with the Herons losing 2-1 at home without Messi and 3-1 away.