Messi pulls the strings in Inter Miami’s shocking head coach decision | OneFootball

The announcement of Javier Mascherano as Inter Miami’s head coach represents more than just a change in leadership. It reflects Lionel Messi’s growing influence in shaping the management and future of the club. For many, it might seem like a natural move, given the history of friendship between Messi and Mascherano, but the decision unveils a much deeper strategic perspective. After all, how many players in soccer history have not only a club but an entire sporting philosophy built around them?

Impossible to ignore is that this will be Mascherano's first experience as head coach of a senior team. Previously, he had led only youth teams like the Argentina U-20 team. Transitioning from youth soccer to leading a professional team brings with it clear challenges but also a unique opportunity.

The call wasn't anything besides his will, so Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas made sure the whole world recognized it. As part of such consulting, which happened for and with Messi, comfort is required, above everything else, for being on the pitch, both himself and his squad playing well. This would put him in front, he's someone without great experiences as a pro-soccer coach but does well when having deep understanding in styles and thinking from Messi.

The strategy behind the choice

Mascherano’s arrival is not just about his relationship with Messi. It’s also a bet on continuity and alignment. Messi is the core of Inter Miami’s project, and ensuring he is in an environment that maximizes his performance is the top priority.

Mascherano, with whom the great moments belonged to Messi in Barcelona and with the national team of Argentina, understands in particular how important it is that the influence of the No. 10 is used better than anyone else. For the club, there is more reinforcement of an idea-the building of the team around Messi, without ever forgetting collective evolution.

Messi: from player to strategic influencer

Messi is a force shaper of the club, and his influence on decisions goes well beyond the field. At Inter Miami, this involvement has reached new heights.

This dynamic raises questions about the impact of such influence. On one hand, having one of the greatest players in history contribute to building the team is a powerful asset. However, how healthy is it for a player, even one as iconic as Messi, to have such a significant role in a club’s direction? Messi’s influence could risk compromising the club’s autonomy in the long term.

The challenges for Mascherano

For Mascherano, taking command of Inter Miami is both an honor and a huge responsibility. He will have to prove that his lack of experience as a head coach won’t be an obstacle to taking the club to new heights. Moreover, he’ll need to balance Messi’s needs with building a team that is competitive as a whole.

Managing players of a different profile and with greater demands will be one of the great challenges of the new coach. Even with the confidence of Messi and the board, Mascherano will be successful depending on his ability to adapt to the job of managing a professional club as quickly as possible in an increasingly competitive league like that of MLS.