Things are getting stranger than fiction for Inter Miami. Not everything is going according to script for the Herons as they continue to face setbacks. First, their MLS Cup dreams were dashed last week, and now, unexpectedly, their boss Gerardo “Tata” Martino has left the club. While the Supporters’ Shield winners will soon begin their search for a new manager of their choice, Herculez Gomez suggested the decision won’t rest with David Beckham or other stakeholders. Instead, it will be an ultimate call made by Lionel Messi.

The initial news of Martino’s exit was shared by renowned journalist Tom Bogert, who reported how it wasn’t Miami that pressured the Argentinian tactician to leave the club. Rather, it was the former Barcelona and River Plate boss himself who made the call for personal reasons. Herc Gomez retweeted this news on X, sharing his take on the situation.

“Oh 💩! Inter Miami is going to attract some crazy names, but let’s be real: The ultimate say won’t be from Jorge Más or David Beckham. It will be Messi. Let the rumor mill begin. ______ to Inter Miami here we go!” wrote the USMNT icon, swirling his own transfer mill to suggest that the next Inter Miami coach shall have the blessing of La Pulga.

Of course, this is quite a huge claim from the former US Men’s National Team star, and most likely, he may be right. Considering that Lionel Messi is one of the biggest things not just for Inter Miami but for the MLS, the Argentinian skipper will surely like to have his say on the managerial matter. While the stakeholders will draw out the list of potential candidates, Messi will be joining the board meeting to give his opinion.

Not to mention that beyond his status in both the team as well as the league, he is also the skipper, so it’s his duty to be involved in the process. While it’s decided that Messi will keep his eye on the new manager’s recruitment process, are there any names that the Florida-based club already has in mind?

Potential names that can replace Tata Martino at Inter Miami to manage Lionel Messi and Co.

Now that Tata Martino is gone, the Herons will be wishing for someone of a similar experience and virtue. While there are plenty of names that can be linked with the job, it’s Xavi Hernandez, whom many are claiming to be the ideal replacement. Of course, his old FC Barcelona connection comes into play here; he has shared a locker room with the likes of Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets during his playing days.

He has been out of a job since being sacked by his boyhood club, so, Xavi getting a job would be interesting to see. Another contender is Jim Curtin, a two-time MLS Coach of the Year who was let go by the Philadelphia Union after 11 years. While his accomplishments with the Zolos may not be groundbreaking, they are still impressive, including winning the 2020 Supporters’ Shield, reaching the 2022 MLS Cup final, three U.S. Open Cup finals, and two Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals.

This isn’t the last one, but the possibility of promoting Inter Miami II coach Federico Higuain also exists, who apparently had an excellent season. Then again, it’s unlikely how it would turn out to be, not to forget the ‘Lionel Messi gets to have his say factor’ as well. While there are many more names for the job, share your take on this in the comments.