Javier Mascherano has stepped down as head coach of Inter Miami CF, bringing an unexpected end to his tenure just months after leading the club to a historic achievement. The Argentine coach guided the Florida-based side to their first-ever Major League Soccer Cup title only four months ago, but has now departed after seven league matches in the 2026 season.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, the club confirmed that Mascherano resigned for “personal reasons”. According to a source cited by ESPN, the decision was formally communicated to club officials following a 2–2 draw against New York Red Bulls last Saturday.
In the interim, Guillermo Hoyos has been appointed as head coach of the first team. Hoyos had previously been serving as the club’s sporting director and now assumes responsibility for guiding the team through the ongoing campaign.
Explaining his decision, Mascherano stated: “I want to inform everyone that, for personal reasons, I have decided to step down as head coach of Inter Miami. I would like to thank the club first and foremost for the trust they placed in me. I am also grateful to every member of the organisation for their collective effort. Above all, I thank the players, as it is because of them that we were able to experience many unforgettable moments.”
Mascherano, a former teammate of Lionel Messi at both international level with Argentina and at FC Barcelona, transitioned into coaching after retiring from professional football. He joined Inter Miami in November 2024, succeeding Gerardo Martino, and remained in charge for approximately one and a half years.
During his tenure, the team reached the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the final of the Leagues Cup. His most notable achievement came in 2025, when Inter Miami secured their maiden MLS Cup title.
Mascherano’s record with the club reflects a consistently strong performance, making him statistically the most successful coach in Inter Miami’s history in terms of average points per match.
| Category | Record |
|---|---|
| Matches Managed | 67 |
| Wins | 38 |
| Draws | 15 |
| Losses | 14 |
| Average Points per Match | 1.93 |
In the current 2026 season, Inter Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference after seven matches. However, their campaign in the CONCACAF Champions Cup ended in elimination at the hands of Nashville SC.
Club owner Jorge Mas paid tribute to the departing coach, stating: “Javier will remain a part of this club’s history and will always hold a special place within the Inter Miami family. His role in our MLS Cup victory and the team’s historic performances in international competitions, along with his dedication and daily commitment to leadership, will stand as an example.”
Hoyos, now entrusted with leading the team, brings prior experience from coaching roles in various international leagues, as well as having served as head coach of the Bolivia national team. His immediate task will be to maintain stability and continuity as the club progresses through the season.
