'Messi's Father' Leads Inter Miami

Lionel Messi will be coached by Guillermo Hoyos at Inter Miami, after Javier Mascherano stepped down from his role as head coach.

Javier Mascherano has left his position as head coach of Inter Miami, and the club promptly announced Guillermo Hoyos as his successor. For Lionel Messi, this reunion is deeply meaningful, as Hoyos is the mentor who was closely associated with him from his early days at Barcelona's La Masia academy.

During an introduction ceremony in his hometown in 2005, Messi emotionally shared: “He was like a football father to me. From the moment I arrived at Barcelona, he helped me and always stood by me. He offered invaluable advice, taught me many things, and did everything to help me reach the position I have today, playing at the highest level.”

Mascherano's departure opened the opportunity for Hoyos and Messi to reunite at Inter Miami. This time, they will together write a new chapter in their MLS careers.

During his tenure leading La Masia from 2003 to 2005, Guillermo Hoyos played a crucial role in refining Messi's talent, helping him transform from a promising teenager into a generational superstar. Not only Messi, he also contributed to training other world football greats like Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, and Pedro.

Throughout his legendary career, Messi reached his peak under coaches who knew how to maximize his unique qualities. Pep Guardiola placed Messi in the "false nine" role, ushering in Barcelona's era of dazzling dominance. Later, Luis Enrique built the famed "MSN" attacking trio, helping the team achieve a historic treble. Tito Vilanova continued that success with a record 100-point La Liga season, while Frank Rijkaard was the one who gave him his first-team debut, laying the foundation for the Argentine superstar's great career.

At the national team level, Lionel Scaloni found the perfect balance, creating conditions for Messi to shine and lead the Argentina national team to the 2022 World Cup title. Therefore, the reunion between Messi and Hoyos at Inter Miami promises to begin a new journey full of expectations.