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The departure of Javier Mascherano from Inter Miami sparked all kinds of rumors, but Maximiliano Falcon was clear on the matter. Last week, Inter Miami received unexpected news when Javier Mascherano’s resignation as head coach was confirmed. While he cited “personal reasons,” rumors of possible internal tensions quickly surfaced, even involving Lionel Messi. Defender Maximiliano Falcon addressed the situation. “I never noticed any tension,” Falcon said during a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the Herons’ match against Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer, as shared by journalist Jose Armando on his official X account. On the contrary, the Uruguayan defender backed Mascherano’s tenure, highlighting the team’s accomplishments in 2025 under his leadership. “Last year we competed in everything… We did a good job with Javier and represented Inter Miami very well,” Maximiliano said. Falcon also admitted he was saddened by the sudden departure of Mascherano and his staff in the middle of the season. “When not only Javi leaves, but the entire coaching staff, it’s not something you like,” the 28-year-old said. Still, he quickly shifted focus to what lies ahead: “We have to take charge quickly because soccer doesn’t wait.” Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami. Falcon evaluates the first days under coach Hoyos To fill the void left by Javier Mascherano’s resignation, Inter Miami’s executives decided to appoint Guillermo Hoyos as manager, after he had been serving as the club’s sporting director. Pending official confirmation, it remains unclear whether Hoyos’ tenure will be temporary or if he will see out the season. When asked about the differences between the former and current coach, Falcon said the approach remains the same: “We’re on the same path—we want to compete in every competition we play.” Regarding Hoyos’ coaching style, the Uruguayan defender added: “We have to get used to his way of working. He demands intensity and winning individual duels. It’s only been a few days of training—intensity is the key word.” Inter Miami’s last two coaches had similar exits It is only natural that there is constant speculation surrounding Lionel Messi, given his status as a global superstar. In the case of Javier Mascherano’s resignation, those rumors were fueled by an interesting coincidence. Inter Miami’s last two head coaches stepped down citing similar reasons. “Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano announced today his decision to step down as the Club’s head coach for personal reasons,” read the statement released by the Herons last Tuesday. This mirrors the message the club shared just over a year earlier regarding the previous manager’s departure: “Inter Miami CF head coach Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino announced today that he will depart the Club due to personal reasons.” In both cases, the coaches left after achieving historic success with the club.

Javier Mascherano left his job as Inter Miami head coach despite winning MLS Cup in 2025.

Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos offered an unexpected take on Lionel Messi. Lionel Messi scored a brace in Inter Miami’s 3-2 win over Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer on Saturday, a result that proved key in climbing the Eastern Conference standings. It also earned him unusual praise from interim manager Guillermo Hoyos. Asked about Messi’s performance during the postgame press conference, Hoyos was clear: “Messi is the best player. The best coach in the world is on the pitch. We have the best player in history who changes the course of matches and a team that gave everything football-wise. We have the magic that God gave to our number 10.” In that sense, Hoyos not only highlighted Messi’s performance and importance in the win over Colorado Rapids, but also downplayed his own influence on the team’s success. He took over on an interim basis following Javier Mascherano’s sudden resignation earlier this week and delivered a victory in his first match in charge in MLS. “This result means a continuity of what was being done,” Hoyos said. “The team is the MLS champion, it is a solid team, it competes with great clubs, but it is very important to play in front of so many people.” Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts with Hamzat Ojediran #8 of Colorado Rapids. Messi has ruled out becoming a coach Guillermo Hoyos’ comments about Lionel Messi’s role as a coach should obviously be interpreted symbolically. The forward continues to make his impact on the field, guiding his teammates with his talent and experience and, in doing so, making the manager’s job easier. However, Messi has made it clear that he has no intention of pursuing a coaching career once he retires. In fact, he has said that, among the potential roles he could take on after his playing days, that is the least likely. “As a coach, I honestly don’t see myself in that role,” Messi admitted in an interview earlier this year with Argentine streaming channel LuzuTV. “I like the idea of being a sporting director, but if I have to choose one, I prefer being an owner.” Potential future coaches for Inter Miami While Guillermo Hoyos’ debut as Inter Miami manager was a success with the 3-2 win over Colorado Rapids in MLS, it seems unlikely that his interim stint will turn into a permanent role. In fact, in the days following Javier Mascherano’s resignation, several names have been linked to the Herons. Spanish outlet Marca reports that Xavi Hernandez is the leading candidate, given his close relationship with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. Another former Barcelona manager of Messi’s, Ernesto Valverde, has also been mentioned after recently announcing he will leave Athletic Club at the end of the current La Liga season. Other reports include Argentine managers such as Matias Almeyda, Marcelo Gallardo, Hernan Crespo, and Martin Palermo.

Lionel Messi scored a brace as Inter Miami sealed a thrilling 3-2 victory against Colorado Rapids on Saturday. It marked the first victory for new manager Guillermo Hoyos, who replaced Javier Mascherano a few days ago. Mascherano stunned the fans with a shock departure on Tuesday, just four months after leading the club to its […]

It was he first win for Inter Miami since the departure of its coach Javier Mascherano, who left the club citing personal reasons. The club is unbeaten since its defeat in its league-opener.