Lionel Messi Begins New Era With Inter Miami

On Monday, Messi and his teammates got a taste of life under new head coach Javier Mascherano. The 40-year-old was hired to replace Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who left the club in November, less than two weeks after the unceremonious 2024 playoff exit.

It should be a smooth transition for Inter Miami's No. 10, who played alongside Mascherano for FC Barcelona and the Argentina National Team. 

Likewise, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez are members of the MLS squad who have experience playing with Mascherano and Messi at Barcelona. 

The new coach also worked with Tomás Avilés, Benjamin Cremaschi, Facundo Farías and Federico Redondo at the youth level in Argentina.

Inter Miami has considered signing another ex-Barcelona player in the transfer window, but so far the club has only made one big signing while letting several key players leave. 

Frustration has grown among fans who hope the club has higher ambitions for the limited time while Messi is still making magic on the pitch.

"A season ended in which we continued to grow as a club and, although we achieved some goals, we wanted more," Messi wrote in Spanish on Instagram at the conclusion of the 2024 season. "Let's get ready to come back stronger next year."

The calendar has flipped and Messi's new era has begun. As Inter Miami continues to work the transfer market, the players are preparing for the club's 2025 preseason tour, which includes five matches across the Americas. It is far less expansive than last season's worldwide tour, per Messi's request.

"When this opportunity arose, I clearly saw it as a great chance to take an important step forward in my coaching career, and here we are," said Mascherano at the start of his new journey with Inter Miami.

"You have to be brave when an opportunity comes your way," said the new coach. "You have to seize it and try to give your best. I’m very optimistic that things will go well."