The departure of Javier Mascherano from Inter Miami CF has left a significant vacancy on the bench of Lionel Messi’s team. From now on, several names have started to emerge as possible replacements, although for the moment it will be Guillermo Hoyos who takes charge on an interim basis.

Interim period and short-term planning

The name of Guillermo Hoyos will be central in the coming weeks, as the schedule plays a key role. With only eight matches remaining before the World Cup, all signs indicate that the club will not make a definitive change during this period and will instead opt for short-term stability in Major League Soccer.

Main candidates for the job

Looking ahead to the summer, the situation changes completely. The leading candidate to take over the team is Xavi Hernández. His profile fits naturally: he knows Lionel Messi, understands the type of dressing room he would manage, and has recent top-level experience following his spell at FC Barcelona.

The Spanish coach has not taken charge of a team since leaving the Catalan club, and the idea of leading a project built around Lionel Messi is highly appealing. In Miami, his playing philosophy based on possession and control is particularly valued.

Another name gaining strong momentum is Marcelo Gallardo. The Argentine coach has an impressive trophy record and a solid reputation for managing demanding squads. His cultural closeness to Lionel Messi could also help strengthen the connection within the dressing room.

Meanwhile, Hernán Crespo and Martín Palermo have also appeared on the radar, although they are currently a step behind in the race.

A project built around Messi

The sporting project led by David Beckham aims to build a competitive team around Lionel Messi. However, the club was recently eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup, one of its main objectives.

Both Xavi Hernández and Marcelo Gallardo share a clear vision: to maximize Lionel Messi’s performance by surrounding him with a system designed to enhance his impact.

Final decision not expected immediately

The final decision does not appear to be imminent. Everything suggests that the new head coach of Inter Miami CF will be announced after the summer, possibly following the World Cup, in a move designed as a medium-term strategy rather than an immediate reaction.

Inter Miami CF is playing for much more than just a name: it is playing for the direction of its entire project.

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