Javier Mascherano Steps Down as Inter Miami Coach Amid Team's Struggles
Javier Mascherano, just four months after leading Inter Miami CF to their first MLS Cup title, announced his departure from the club for personal reasons. His tenure, though brief, was historic, with the team scoring 101 goals in MLS play, the highest in league history, and achieving a groundbreaking victory against Porto in the FIFA Club World Cup, marking the first time a Concacaf club defeated a team from a top five European league in official competition. Mascherano's coaching staff will also leave, with Guillermo Hoyos stepping in as the interim manager. Hoyos brings extensive experience from both South America and Europe, including youth development at FC Barcelona, and has previously served as Inter Miami's Sporting Director. In his statement, Mascherano expressed gratitude, stating, "I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF... I will always carry with me the memory of our first star..." Following the retirements of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Inter Miami has faced challenges, recently being eliminated from the Concacaf Champions Cup by Nashville SC. The team has only one win in their last five matches, including two draws at the newly opened Nu Stadium. With high expectations, Hoyos faces a tough task as this marks the third consecutive season for the Herons to hire a new coach. They join Orlando City SC and CF Montreal as the only MLS teams to change coaches this early in the season. Next up for Hoyos and the Herons is an away match against the Colorado Rapids at Empower Field on Saturday, April 18.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-14