Inter Miami Welcomes Guillermo Hoyos as New Coach Following Mascherano's Departure

Inter Miami has announced Guillermo Hoyos as the new head coach after Javier Mascherano's surprising exit. Hoyos, who has a deep connection with Lionel Messi from their time at Barcelona, is expected to influence the club's future significantly. Mascherano's departure comes just months after leading the team to an MLS Cup victory, leaving fans curious about the direction the club will take under Hoyos' leadership. With a remarkable personal story and a wealth of coaching experience, Hoyos aims to guide Inter Miami into a new phase of success.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 15, 2026, 20:12 IST

Mascherano's Surprising Exit from Inter Miami

After leading Inter Miami to victory in the MLS Cup last December, Javier Mascherano has unexpectedly parted ways with the club just four months later. Alongside him, his entire coaching staff has also exited, although the team has not disclosed the reasons behind this decision. During his tenure, Mascherano recorded a commendable 27 wins, 9 losses, and 11 draws across 47 matches, including both regular-season and playoff games. In a statement, he expressed gratitude towards the club for their trust, acknowledging the collective effort of the staff and especially the players who contributed to memorable experiences.

Guillermo Hoyos Takes the Helm

Stepping into the role of head coach is Guillermo Hoyos, who shares a significant history with Lionel Messi. Hoyos previously coached at Barcelona's youth academy, La Masia, from 2001 to 2006, during Messi's early development. The 63-year-old played a pivotal role in Messi's initial years at Barcelona, with Messi himself referring to Hoyos as a father figure. "He has been instrumental in my journey since I joined Barça, always supporting and guiding me," Messi once remarked.

Hoyos' Inspiring Journey

Hoyos' life story is one of resilience; he faced significant challenges in his childhood, including living on the streets due to his father's struggles with addiction. To survive, he took on various jobs, from shining shoes to selling newspapers, ultimately overcoming adversity to build a successful coaching career across several countries, including Argentina, Mexico, and Greece, managing teams like Aldosivi and Talleres de Cordoba.

A New Chapter for Inter Miami

As Inter Miami embarks on a new chapter following Mascherano's departure, the reunion of Messi and his longtime mentor Hoyos is anticipated to play a crucial role in the club's future direction. Hoyos has consistently praised Messi's remarkable evolution and longevity in the sport, stating, "Messi exemplifies that there are no limits to growth at any age," during an interview on TyC Sports.