By handing Javier Mascherano the reins, Inter Miami has stirred up a storm of speculation about whether the Argentine is ready to coach at this level. While his remarkable playing career is beyond dispute, Mascherano’s limited experience in coaching has raised doubts about whether this risk could impact Lionel Messi’s legacy at the club.

On the Alexi Lalas’ State of the Union Podcast, David Mosse voiced his concerns about Mascherano’s appointment, calling him an “unproven manager.” Reflecting on Mascherano’s time coaching Argentina’s youth teams, Mosse noted, “He felt more like Steven Gerrard than Xabi Alonso,” highlighting the lack of tactical influence seen during those tournaments. He argued that Inter Miami might have been better off seeking a more experienced coach, suggesting that this hire seemed more like a favor linked to Messi’s presence rather than a calculated decision.

Lalas echoed Mosse’s doubts, warning that the stakes are high for Messi in this situation. While the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner holds considerable sway at Inter Miami, bringing in an inexperienced manager could lead to complications. Lalas cautioned, “If it doesn’t go well, that falls on Messi directly and the brand of Messi.” Valid point. Such a situation could upset the fragile balance of power between a global icon and a novice coach.

Despite these concerns, this appointment highlights Inter Miami’s readiness to align their choices with Messi’s wishes. Mascherano, a former teammate of Messi’s in Barcelona and Argentina, certainly has the trust and respect of the world’s top player. However, trust alone may not be enough in the demanding, high-pressure landscape of Major League Soccer, where tactical skill and experience are vital for success.

As this new chapter unfolds in Miami, all eyes will be on the Mascherano-Messi relationship. Will this collaboration thrive and elevate the club, or will it reveal the flaws in a risky decision? For now, the pressure is building, and only time will tell. This crucial coaching choice paves the way for another major story: Luis Suarez deciding to extend his time at Inter Miami.

Luis Suarez extends his Miami stint

Inter Miami remains in the news again by extending legendary Luis Suarez’s contract by one year, ensuring his place ͏on the roster for the ͏2͏025 seaso͏n. The former Barcelona and Uruguay forward will reunite with his former teammate Javier Mascherano, who is set to take over the coaching reins of the club.

Despite Miami’s early playoff exit after a record-breaking regular season, Suárez stood out as the team’s top scorer, earning praise for both his goal-scoring ability and his leadership in the locker room. “I’m very happy, very excited to continue for another year,” Suarez expressed. “The connection with the fans feels like family, and I hope we can bring them even more joy next season.”

Raul Sanllehi, president of football operations at Miama, praised Suarez for his contributions, emphasizing he is an “elite-level forward” and contributes to the dynamics of the club. Suarez’s on and off-field leadership demonstrated him as the most valuable asset Miami could afford as a club.

The upcoming season presents an intriguing storyline, with Mascherano taking over from Gerardo Martino as head coach. The reunion of Suarez and Mascherano, both key figures from Barcelona’s golden era, is a narrative that many fans are excited to witness.

Having retired from international play with Uruguay earlier this year, Suarez is now fully focused on club football. With 69 goals in 143 appearances for his country and an impressive career that includes stints at Ajax, Liverpool, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid, Suarez’s enduring talent is beyond question.