Just four months after guiding Inter Miami to their first-ever Major League Soccer Cup title, Javier Mascherano has stepped down from his position as head coach of the Florida-based club. The Argentine was appointed with similar ambitions at the start of the current campaign, but his tenure ended after only seven league matches in the new season.
On Tuesday, Inter Miami confirmed in an official statement that Mascherano had resigned from his role due to “personal reasons”. According to a source quoted by ESPN, the 2–2 draw against New York Red Bulls on Saturday was followed by Mascherano formally communicating his decision to the club hierarchy.
In response to his departure, Inter Miami announced that Guillermo Hoyos, who had been serving as the club’s sporting director, will take interim charge of the first team as head coach.
In his resignation statement, Mascherano said:
“I would like to inform everyone that I have made the decision to step down as head coach of Inter Miami for personal reasons. First and foremost, I would like to thank the club for the trust placed in me. I also thank every member of the organisation for their collective effort. But most of all, I am grateful to the players, because it is due to them that we were able to enjoy many unforgettable moments.”
Mascherano, a former teammate of Lionel Messi at both Argentina and Barcelona, transitioned into coaching after ending his playing career. He took over at Inter Miami in November 2024, succeeding Gerardo Martino, and remained in charge for approximately one and a half seasons, working with several high-profile players, including the Messi–Suárez group.
During his spell as head coach, the Argentine led Inter Miami to the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the final of the Leagues Cup. In 2025, he guided the club to their first MLS Cup triumph, marking a historic achievement in the team’s history.
Statistically, Mascherano leaves as one of Inter Miami’s most successful head coaches. Under his leadership, the team averaged 1.93 points per match, the highest in the club’s history. Across all competitions, he oversaw 67 matches, recording 38 wins, 15 draws and 14 defeats.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| 67 | 38 | 15 | 14 |
At the time of his departure in the 2026 season, Inter Miami were placed third in the Eastern Conference after seven league matches. The club had also exited the CONCACAF Champions Cup following a defeat to Nashville.
Following Mascherano’s resignation, club owner Jorge Mas issued a statement acknowledging his contribution, saying that he will remain part of Inter Miami’s history and will always hold a special place within the club’s family. He also highlighted Mascherano’s role in the MLS Cup victory and the team’s performances on the global stage.
Inter Miami have appointed Guillermo Hoyos as interim head coach. Hoyos has previously worked across several clubs in different leagues worldwide and has also served as head coach of the Bolivia national team.