Javier Mascherano: former Argentina, Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder named coach of Inter Miami

Former Argentina, Liverpool and Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has been named coach of Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.

The 40-year-old, who also played for River Plate and West Ham, signed a three-year contract until the end of the 2027 MLS season.

He succeeds Gerardo Martino, who resigned last week for “personal reasons.”

The move reunites him with former Argentina and Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, who joined Miami in July 2023.

“Throughout his career as one of the best players in the world and as an experienced coach, Javier has always demonstrated what makes him great: relentless determination with the knowledge, instincts and understanding to back it up,” said the club’s co-owner. Inter Miami, David Beckham.

Mascherano said: “Being able to manage a club like Inter Miami is an honor for me and a privilege that I will strive to make the most of.”

The Argentine won 21 titles during his career at the club, including five La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues with Barcelona.

Mascherano made 147 appearances for Argentina (the second most capped player in his country’s history behind Messi), including four World Cups, and reached the final in 2014, where they lost to Germany.

After retiring from the game in 2020, Mascherano was named Argentina Under-20 coach the following year, and also coached his country at this summer’s Olympic Games in Paris.

Meanwhile, former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg has been appointed coach of St Louis City.

The 47-year-old joins from Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna, whom he led to a club-record 10th place finish in the top flight this year.

Mellberg made 260 appearances for Villa between 2001 and 2008. He also played for Juventus, Olympiakos and Villarreal, and won 117 caps for Sweden.