The Instant Impact of Lionel Messi on Inter Miami
Lionel Messi’s arrival in Miami in 2023 was nothing short of a seismic shift. The Argentine superstar, often described with terms like "God-like" and "extraterrestrial," brought with him an unparalleled level of talent and an almost magnetic pull that transformed Inter Miami almost instantly. The club, which had previously struggled in the lower echelons of Major League Soccer (MLS), suddenly found itself in the spotlight. Messi’s presence attracted unprecedented attention, requiring new levels of security and professionalism. He elevated the team’s performance, turning average players into goal creators and leading the club from the cellar to trophy contention in just a few months. However, while his on-field impact was immediate, Messi’s behind-the-scenes influence took time to solidify.
Gradual Takeover and Year 3 Dominance
Despite his immediate on-field success, Messi’s full control over Inter Miami was a gradual process. He needed time to understand the inner workings of the club and familiarize himself with the levers of power. By Year 3, that control seemed complete. Messi’s aim for 2025 is to secure multiple titles, and he has the support of a longtime teammate, Javier Mascherano, as head coach, and his former academy coach, Guillermo Hoyos, overseeing the roster. This setup marks a significant experiment: Can a superstar-GM, akin to LeBron James in the NBA, succeed in MLS?
Messi’s Growing Influence and Club Changes
Messi, known for his humility and introverted nature, has always wielded significant influence throughout his career, often through intermediaries like his father, friends, or confidants. In Miami, his influence was particularly pronounced. Early on, he used his power to lift standards, advocating for better travel conditions and improved meal quality. As the club’s stature grew, so did Messi’s role. The 2024-25 offseason saw a series of changes that underscored his growing influence.
After head coach Tata Martino’s resignation, Inter Miami quickly appointed Javier Mascherano, Messi’s former teammate at Barcelona and the Argentine national team, as the new head coach. Though Mascherano had limited coaching experience, his familiarity with Messi and the team’s stars was seen as a significant advantage. Managing owner Jorge Mas acknowledged Messi’s input in the decision, emphasizing the importance of Messi’s comfort with the new coach.
The Reshaping of Inter Miami’s Leadership
Messi’s influence extended beyond coaching. After a reported confrontation with Raúl Sanllehí, the president of football operations, Sanllehí was reassigned to a non-sporting department. He was replaced by Guillermo Hoyos, Messi’s former coach at Barcelona’s La Masia academy. Hoyos, despite a lack of experience in MLS’s complex roster regulations, now oversees the club’s football operations.
This reshaping of Inter Miami’s leadership has raised questions about the club’s direction. Chris Henderson, the former sporting director, and Mark Prizant, the director of scouting and recruitment, were key figures in building the 2024 Supporters’ Shield-winning team. Their departure has left a void, and the club has turned to familiar South American talent to fill the gaps. The new signings, including Argentine forward Tadeo Allende and Venezuelan midfielder Telasco Segovia, aim to complement Messi and the existing stars. However, the success of these moves remains to be seen.
The Challenges Ahead for Javier Mascherano
Javier Mascherano’s appointment as head coach comes with significant challenges. His lack of experience in professional coaching and the potential conflicts of interest with his close relationships to Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suárez, and Jordi Alba raise questions about his ability to manage the team equitably. Mascherano is well aware of these challenges and has expressed his commitment to separating his personal relationships from his professional duties. However, the true test will be in his ability to manage a diverse locker room and navigate the complexities of MLS.
The Experiment of a Superstar-GM
The experiment of a superstar-GM in MLS is unprecedented. Messi’s fingerprints are all over Inter Miami, from the coaching appointments to the roster changes. While his influence has been overwhelmingly positive, there are concerns about whether it has stretched too far. The success of this experiment will depend on Mascherano’s coaching abilities, the performance of the new signings, and Messi’s continued magic on the field. Time will tell if this unique setup can translate into sustained success for Inter Miami. Nonetheless, Messi’s magical feet and his deep understanding of the game make him a formidable force, and his impact on the club will undoubtedly shape its future.
