Javier Mascherano has left his role as head coach of Inter Miami, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure despite guiding the club to MLS Cup success last season.
The Major League Soccer club confirmed the Argentine’s departure on Tuesday, with the decision marking one of the most surprising managerial changes of the early 2026 campaign.
Mascherano, who was appointed in November 2024, had overseen a historic period for the club, leading them to their first MLS Cup title in his first full season in charge.
His tactical adjustments during that run drew praise, particularly his decision to reshape the attack around Lionel Messi, a long-time teammate from both club and international football.
That approach proved effective, with Miami setting a new record for goals scored in a single MLS post-season as they powered their way to the title.
However, the momentum from that success has not carried into the current campaign.
Miami have struggled for consistency in 2026, exiting the CONCACAF Champions Cup in the round of 16 and failing to record a strong run of results in the league.
The team are third in the Eastern Conference with a modest record and a narrow goal difference, falling short of expectations for a squad that underwent significant investment in the close season.
The departures of experienced figures such as Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba were followed by notable additions, including forward German Berterame and goalkeeper Dayne St Clair.
Despite those reinforcements, performances have lacked the same cohesion and attacking fluency that defined their previous campaign.
Guillermo Hoyos is set to take interim charge, having already overseen training sessions in the lead-up to the announcement.
The decision also ends Mascherano’s close working relationship with Messi at club level, having previously shared a successful spell together at Barcelona and with the Argentina national team.
Miami’s attention now turns to stabilising their season and maintaining their position in the play-off race following a period of inconsistency.
