Javier Mascherano Resigns as Inter Miami Head Coach Citing Personal Reasons

Javier Mascherano resigned as head coach of Inter Miami on Tuesday, citing personal reasons, ending a tenure that brought the MLS club its first-ever championship title. The 41-year-old Argentine gave no further explanation for his departure, which the club confirmed was unexpected given that Mascherano remained under contract until 2027. Guillermo Hoyos, who had been overseeing the club's professional development structure, will serve as interim head coach and is set to lead the team for their match against Colorado on Saturday. Inter Miami currently sits third in the MLS Eastern Conference after seven matches, with three wins, one draw, and three losses.

MLS Cup glory and Club World Cup history made Mascherano's time at Inter Miami produced results that reshaped the club's standing in North American soccer. Appointed in November 2024, he guided the team to the MLS Cup title in 2025, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the final, and also secured the Eastern Conference championship. The club set a league record with 101 goals across the regular season and postseason. Inter Miami also became the first MLS team to reach the knockout rounds of the Club World Cup, where they fell to Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16. In total, Mascherano led the team in 67 matches. His appointment had been notable from the outset, as he had previously managed only Argentina's youth national teams before taking charge in Miami alongside his former Barcelona and Argentina teammate Lionel Messi.

„I want to inform everyone that for personal reasons, I have decided to terminate my role as head coach of Inter Miami CF.” — Javier Mascherano via Inter Miami CF

„I would like to thank the club for the trust it has placed in me, all the staff for their collective effort, but especially the players, who allowed us to experience unforgettable moments.” — Javier Mascherano via Inter Miami CF

New stadium, mixed results, and a difficult current season The circumstances surrounding Mascherano's exit reflect a difficult stretch for the defending champions. Inter Miami moved into the new Nu Stadium on April 4, and in two matches played there the team managed only draws. In the Concacaf Champions Cup, the club was eliminated in the round of 16 against Nashville SC. The league record of three wins, one draw, and three defeats after seven matchdays underlines the gap between last season's success and the current campaign's trajectory. Mascherano's departure leaves the club searching for stability at a moment when results on the field have not matched expectations set by the 2025 title run.

101 (goals) — Inter Miami league record across 2025 season and postseason

Mascherano at Inter Miami: — ; — ; — ; — ; —

Owner Jorge Mas pays tribute, Hoyos steps in Club owner Jorge Mas responded to the resignation with a statement that acknowledged both Mascherano's achievements and the personal nature of his decision. Mas said Mascherano would remain a permanent part of the club's history and hold a special place within the Inter Miami family. Guillermo Hoyos, an Argentine manager who previously coached the Bolivia national team, will take charge of the squad immediately, with reports indicating he already led a training session on Monday. The club confirmed Hoyos will be on the bench for the upcoming match against Colorado on Saturday. Inter Miami's next steps in the transfer market and any permanent coaching appointment remain to be determined.

„Javier will forever be part of the history of this club and will always hold a special place within the Inter Miami CF family.” — Jorge Mas via Inter Miami CF

Inter Miami was founded in 2018 and joined MLS competition in 2020. The club gained global attention following the arrival of Lionel Messi in the summer of 2023. Prior to Mascherano's appointment, the club had not won an MLS Cup title. Mascherano himself had a distinguished playing career, representing Argentina at international level and playing for clubs including Liverpool, Barcelona, and Boca Juniors before transitioning into management.

Inter Miami CF