Javier Mascherano is no longer the coach of Inter Miami, and the team quickly announced Guillermo Hoyos as his successor. Lionel Messi, the Herons’ star, has the fondest memories of their time together in the youth system of FC Barcelona.
“He was my soccer father,” Messi said during a presentation in his home country back in 2005, where he coincided with Hoyos. “He helped me a lot from the moment he arrived at Barcelona; he was with me at all times.”
He also added: “He gave me advice, taught me things, and did everything possible so that I could be where I am today, in the first division.”
Mascherano’s departure brings Hoyos and Messi together again on the same team. This time at Inter Miami, both will look to write a new chapter in their stories.
Hoyos’ spell at Barcelona
During his influential tenure at La Masia from 2003 to 2005, Guillermo Hoyos was responsible for polishing a diamond in the rough, helping Lionel Messi transition from a promising teenager into a generational force. However, his impact extended beyond the Argentine star; Hoyos also worked closely with other future icons of the game, including Gerard Pique, Cesc Fabregas, and Pedro Rodriguez.
Lionel Messi Barcelona.
The coaches who shaped Messi
Throughout his legendary career, Lionel Messi reached his highest peaks under managers who mastered the art of maximizing his unique skill set. Pep Guardiola famously unlocked Messi’s full potential by transitioning him to the “False 9” role, sparking an unprecedented era of dominance, while Luis Enrique oversaw the lethal “MSN” trident that led to a historic second treble.
Tito Vilanova maintained that tactical excellence during the record-breaking 100-point La Liga season, and Frank Rijkaard deserves immense credit for giving a teenage Messi his professional debut and the confidence to flourish on the world stage.
Lionel Messi hugs his Head coach Josep Guardiola.
Additionally, Lionel Scaloni must be noted for finally finding the perfect balance within the national team, providing the structure that allowed Messi to lead Argentina to a triumphant World Cup title.
Messi’s club coaches throughout his career
| FC Barcelona | PSG | Inter Miami |
| Frank Rijkaard (2004 – 2008) | Mauricio Pochettino (2021 – 2022) | Gerardo Martino (2023 – 2025) |
| Pep Guardiola (2008 – 2012) | Christophe Galtier (2022 – 2023) | Javier Mascherano (2025 – 2026) |
| Tito Vilanova (2012 – 2013) | Guillermo Hoyos (2026 – Present) | |
| Gerardo Martino (2013 – 2014) | ||
| Luis Enrique (2014 – 2017) | ||
| Ernesto Valverde (2017 – 2020) | ||
| Quique Setien (2020) | ||
| Ronald Koeman (2020 – 2021) |
