Messi’s Inter Miami Crisis Deepens as Mascherano Resigns After Poor MLS Start

Messi’s Inter Miami Crisis Deepens as Mascherano Resigns After Poor MLS Start

Inter Miami CF have entered a period of uncertainty after head coach Javier Mascherano resigned with immediate effect following a disappointing start to the new Major League Soccer (MLS) season.

The club, co-owned by former England international David Beckham, confirmed the Argentine’s departure, stating that Mascherano stepped down for “personal reasons” after discussions with the club’s leadership.

The resignation comes during a shaky run of form for Inter Miami, despite having global superstar Lionel Messi in the squad. The team suffered a 3–0 defeat to Los Angeles FC on the opening day of the season and was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup by Nashville SC.

In the MLS campaign, Inter Miami have drawn three of their last four matches and currently sit in the lower half of the 30-team league table, raising early concerns about consistency and competitiveness in the 2026 MLS season.

Despite the difficult start, Mascherano departs with a strong legacy after a highly successful first season in charge. Appointed in January 2025 with no prior senior managerial experience, he guided Inter Miami to their first-ever MLS Cup title, along with an Eastern Conference championship.

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Under his leadership, the club also enjoyed a record-breaking offensive season, scoring over 100 goals across all competitions and establishing themselves as one of the most dominant attacking sides in MLS history.

Inter Miami also made global headlines during the FIFA Club World Cup, becoming the first MLS side to reach the knockout stages, marking a major milestone for the league.

In his farewell statement, Mascherano thanked the club, players, staff, and fans, describing the MLS Cup triumph as a historic achievement he would “always carry” with him.

Managing owner Jorge Mas praised Mascherano’s impact, calling him a key figure in the club’s history and commending his leadership in delivering silverware and raising the club’s global profile.

Inter Miami have not yet announced a permanent replacement, but the club is expected to appoint an interim coach as they begin the search for a long-term successor.

Despite the sudden managerial exit, the club insists its long-term project remains unchanged, although Mascherano’s departure adds fresh pressure on a squad built around ageing stars and high expectations.

Messi’s Inter Miami Crisis Deepens as Mascherano Resigns After Poor MLS Start