The hunt for the new manager begins for Inter Miami. Days after a disappointing exit from the MLS playoffs—albeit their MLS supporters’ shield triumph—the Herons saw Gerardo “Tata” Martino depart from the club. As the Argentinian tactician leaves a void to fill for the MLS side, the question looms as to who will be the next man to take up the job of coaching Lionel Messi and Co.

It’s not like Tata Martino was forced off by the David Beckham-owned side to exit the Florida-based club; instead, it was more due to some “personal issues” that saw the former FC Barcelona and River Plate manager vacate the seat. Even though it has been just hours since the departure of Martino, a few names have already started to link.

The most likely possibility has turned out to be another FC Barcelona link-up, with not one but two prospects. First up is Xavi Hernandez, the former Catalan player who enjoyed a career spanning over two decades at Camp Nou alongside the likes of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets. After taking on the managerial role at his boyhood club in 2021, Xavi was dismissed by Joan Laporta earlier this season and is currently out of a job.

Fortunately for the former Al Sadd boss, he may have a chance to manage the MLS side while also enjoying another mini-Barca reunion. However, Xavi isn’t the only contender, as Pep Guardiola has also emerged as a surprise name. The 53-year-old’s contract with Manchester City is set to expire in the summer of 2025, but reports from The Athletic suggest that the English club is preparing to offer him a one-year extension with the option of an additional year, making this move seem unlikely.

Simultaneously, there exists a possibility of Inter Miami settling down with an in-house coach. One can be renowned American manager Jim Curtin, who has significant MLS experience, having coached Miami’s arch-rivals the Philadelphia Union. Otherwise, there also remains a possibility of promoting their Inter Miami II coach, Federico Higuain, who apparently had an excellent season.

Whom does Inter Miami eventually go with is a matter of concern for many, especially ardent fans, who seem to have taken over the internet with their latest opinions and debates.

Inter Miami fans decide on the Tata Martino replacement to coach Lionel Messi and Co.

To be fair, all of the aforementioned candidates aren’t bad choices. Then again, the soccer world must know better as they continue with fervent debates across X, formerly Twitter, to decide on Tata Martino’s replacement.

Starting with Xavi, just like this fan, even we believe the move might feel a bit of a pushover. The 44-year-old surely is one of the decent managers out there, but it’s doubtful whether he would be able to take up the challenge of coaching an MLS team that has straight priorities of getting results. Had it been another club that was in a transition of finding their foot, then Xavi would have been a perfect choice.

Now to the Guardiola-Messi linkup, this is another farfetched narrative. It’s not like Pep isn’t one of the managers who wouldn’t like to fancy a move to the MLS but for now, his time is still fresh in Europe—albeit the fact he has been there for a long time. Not to mention that even if the rumors of his contract extension with Manchester City were true, other big players than Miami may jump on the chance to sign Guardiola. Then again, fingers remained crossed for many!

As for Jim Curtin, he surely is an interesting candidate. The 2X MLS coach of the year lost his job just a couple of weeks ago, with Philadelphia Union finally moving on from Curtin after a whopping 11 years. His achievements with the Zolos aren’t groundbreaking but respectable, guiding them to the 2020 Supporters’ Shield win, but failure in the 2022 MLS Cup final, 3x US Open Cup finalists, and 2x Concacaf Champions Cup semifinalists.

Federico Higuain is one deserving name for becoming the true heir to the throne but there are several backdraws. For starters, though he may have the experience of bringing out the best in youngsters, it’s unlikely that he would be able to manage a star-studded group of Messi, Suarez, and Co.

Similar concern from this fan. To remind you, current USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino had possibly one of the trios in soccer during his time at Paris Saint-Germain; Lionel Messi, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe. Unfortunately, we all know it didn’t work out for them. Currently, Inter Miami has one of the best duos in the MLS. All they require is someone who is able to bring the most out of the available names on the team.

Well, these were just a glimpse of all the reactions you saw here. Mind you, it’s not just about signing a perfect coach, but the Florida side will be required to bring some more good names for any of the positions they wish to improve. Rest assured, the upcoming days are going to be hectic for David Beckham and Co.

Who do you think will become the next Inter Miami manager? Let us know in the comments.