October 6, 2024

Former Barcelona manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino is set to reunite with Lionel Messi as he takes on the role of the new manager at Inter Miami.

Martino steps in to replace Phil Neville, the former Manchester United defender who was dismissed from his position on 1 June.

Martino, an Argentine himself, has been without a managerial position since departing from the Mexican national team following their elimination in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. Now, he will have the opportunity to work alongside his compatriot Messi once again, bringing their successful partnership from their time at Barcelona to the MLS.

“Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport whose track record speaks for itself,” said co-owner David Beckham.

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“We are confident that his achievements in the game and experience as a head coach will inspire our team and excite our fans and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the field.”

The club said Martino “will assume coaching responsibilities upon the receipt of his work documentation”.

 

This marks the third time that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner and Martino will be collaborating. They previously enjoyed stints together at Barcelona, as well as with the Argentina national team.

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Martino brings valuable experience to Inter Miami, having previously worked in the United States. During his two-year tenure with Atlanta United, he guided the team to MLS Cup triumph in 2018, showcasing his ability to lead a squad to glory in the league.

Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said: “We are very happy to be able to welcome Tata to Inter Miami. We feel he is a coach who matches our ambitions as a club and we’re optimistic about what we can accomplish together.

“Tata has coached at the highest levels and we believe that experience will be hugely beneficial to us as we aim to compete for titles here.”

Inter Miami sit bottom of the MLS standings with 13 losses from 18 fixtures in 2023 and Javier Morales has been in temporary charge since Neville’s departure.

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