Inter Miami CF ensure Lionel Messi is in the best possible shape ahead of his debut with the side and on Wednesday announced the identity of their new head coach, who knows the Argentinean very well.
Gerardo “Tata” Martino will now manage the Florida club, replacing Phil Neville. Javier Morales took over as interim coach on June 1st.
• Also read: Mathieu Choinière takes part in the MLS All-Star Game
• Also read: Bob Bradley is fired
• Also read: Another former Barça arrives in Miami
The 60-year-old coached Messi at FC Barcelona from 2013 to 2014 and was Argentina coach from 2014 to 2016. Martino is also considered a legend of Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona’s first training club ‘La Pulga’.
“Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport and her story speaks for itself. “We are confident that his achievements and experience as head coach will inspire our team and delight our fans and we look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the pitch,” said co-owner David Beckham.
This won’t be Martino’s first venture in Major League Soccer (MLS). In 2017 and 2018, he served as manager of Atlanta United and helped the team win the MLS Cup in its second season.
Most recently, the Argentine coached Mexico from 2019 to 2022.
Inter Miami recently signed midfielder Sergio Busquets, who Messi has also spotted at Barcelona.
On July 21, the 35-year-old is set to make his long-awaited debut with his new team.