“I know something, we’ll leave it there,” Hoyos told Cracks reporter Manu Bravo when asked if he was aware of Inter Miami’s interest in Casemiro. However, the Argentine coach doubled down when the reporter pressed on the likelihood of a deal, remaining silent for a moment before adding: “The silence tells you”.

Despite the growing buzz, Inter Miami may face stiff competition. Tom Bogert of The Athletic reports that the LA Galaxy have emerged as a serious contender to land the five-time Champions League winner.

However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano indicated that the Brazilian is interested in signing with Inter Miami, drawn by the club’s ambitious project and the opportunity to play alongside Messi.

Casemiro could fill a significant void for Inter Miami

Despite capturing the MLS Cup title, Inter Miami have struggled to fill the void in central midfield left by Sergio Busquets following his retirement from professional soccer.

The Spaniard was a permanent fixture in the Herons’ tactical setup. While the club has attempted to replace him, the results have been mixed. The arrival of David Ayala was intended to bridge that gap, but the Argentine has yet to replicate the standout performances he delivered with the Portland Timbers.

Under former coach Javier Mascherano, the team frequently utilized Yannick Bright or Rodrigo De Paul in the defensive midfield role. However, De Paul is far more effective in advanced positions where he can link up more fluidly with Messi in the attack.

In this context, Casemiro would be a natural fit for the Busquets role. Having spent his entire career as a world-class defensive midfielder, his arrival would provide Inter Miami with a defensive anchor, allowing De Paul the freedom to move forward and maintain his potent offensive partnership with Messi.

“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.

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.

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

“Yeah, his impact has been huge,” Bradley said when asked by Bolavip about Mascherano’s impact in MLS during his short time in the league.

“Obviously, he did an incredible job with Miami, he was able to lead them to their first MLS Cup. I think that part is there for everybody to see, and nobody can ever take that away from him.“

Bradley wishes Mascherano ‘all the best’

Bradley’s comments came during a media session ahead of New York’s US Open Cup fixture against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds (Wednesday at 7:30 PM ET). Shortly before Bradley addressed the press, Inter Miami announced Mascherano will be replaced by Guillermo Hoyos, at least on an interim basis.

“Obviously without being there, on the inside of things, it’s impossible to know, it’s impossible to understand the situation,” Bradley added. “You know, in the last little bit, I saw things about personal reasons, and so obviously, again, without being on the inside, you never know exactly what the situation is.

“As a colleague, I wish him all the best for his future, and I know that with his qualities as a coach, with his experience in football, with his personality, he’s gonna continue to do great things in the game, and so I wish him all the best.“

Bradley revealed having one of Mascherano’s jerseys

Bradley had already shown his respect for Mascherano during the weekend. During his postgame press conference after Saturday’s 2-2 draw in Miami, the New York Red Bulls HC remembered the day he exchanged jerseys with the Argentine legend after an international game.

“I have a huge amount of respect for Javier, I always did as a player and now as a coach. He won’t remember this, but one of the proudest moments in my career was after a game with Argentina, he sent somebody into the locker room because he wanted to exchange jerseys with me. So I have one of his Argentina jerseys at home,” Bradley revealed.

“I was a never a guy who went out of my way to trade jerseys but when somebody like Javier Mascherano went out of his way to ask for mine, then you can be sure that I’ve kept his.

“He was an incredible player, had a huge career at some top, top clubs, and now as a young coach has done a really good job, obviously, led Miami to the MLS Cup last year. For me, the experience of coaching against other really good managers is exciting.“

Mascherano’s praise for Bradley

Before shocking the MLS community on Tuesday, Mascherano also heaped praise on Bradley during Saturday’s pre-game interview with Apple TV.

“I faced him in international games many times, he was a very good player and a very important player for the USA,” Mascherano said of Bradley before facing the New York Red Bulls, in what turned out to be his last game at the helm of Inter Miami.

“He did really well last season, winning the MLS Next Pro championship. This season you can see his ideas about football, and for me, he will be a really successful coach in this league.”

Hoyos was once a professional football player, and as a coach he was in charge of the Bolivia national team. He also managed in both Cyprus and Greece in the European continent.

More changes are taking place at the Herons in addition to the coach’s departure. As announced through the official Inter Miami website, Chief Soccer Officer Alberto Marrero assumes, as of today, the duties of sporting director.

Guillermo Hoyos’ experience

Born on June 9, 1963, in Argentina, the 62-year-old tactician boasts a diverse coaching career that spans over two decades and multiple continents. After a playing career with clubs like Boca Juniors, Hoyos gained international recognition for his work at FC Barcelona’s La Masia, where he famously mentored a young Lionel Messi.

His managerial journey has since taken him through numerous leagues, leading teams such as Bolivar—where he won two league titles—and Universidad de Chile. Having most recently served as the Director of Youth Development for Inter Miami, Hoyos now steps into the head coaching role, combining his extensive global experience with an understanding of the club’s internal structure.

Don’t lose focus on the MLS

Javier Mascherano’s decision to leave his position at Inter Miami surprised both insiders and outsiders, with Bolavip asking New York Red Bulls head coach Michael Bradley about his reaction to Mascherano’s decision days after their 2-2 draw in Miami. In fact, the Herons’ performance in the MLS at the moment keeps them among the contenders in their conference.

After seven rounds of the tournament, Lionel Messi’s team has collected a total of 12 points, the result of 3 wins, 3 draws, and just one defeat. The Herons are in third place in the Eastern Conference, behind Nashville SC and Chicago Fire.

What’s next for Inter Miami?

With these abrupt changes behind them, these are the upcoming matches that Messi and Inter Miami have ahead in order to keep moving forward in the championship:

• April 18th, at Colorado Rapids
• April 22nd, at Real Salt Lake
• April 25th, vs New England Revolution
• May 2nd, vs Orlando City
• May 7th, at Toronto

“I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF,” Mascherano said in an official Inter Miami statement. “First and foremost, I would like to thank the Club… but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments.”

Mascherano leaves after guiding Messi and Inter Miami through a record-breaking 2025 season, with the club moving quickly to name Guillermo Hoyos as his replacement.

During his tenure, the team secured two major trophies, including its first-ever MLS Cup, while also winning the Eastern Conference. Offensively, Inter Miami set a new league record with 101 total goals across all competitions, underscoring the impact of his leadership.

Saturday’s 2-2 draw against the New York Red Bulls proved to be his last game in charge of the Herons. Bolavip got to ask NYRB head coach Michael Bradley about Mascherano’s exit, with the former USMNT star wishing his colleague all the best.

Mascherano exits after historic success with Inter Miami

Under Mascherano, Inter Miami not only dominated domestically but also made history on the international stage. The club became the first MLS team to reach the knockout rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup and the first from Concacaf to defeat a European opponent in an official competition.

Regionally, the team reached the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup and advanced to another Leagues Cup final, reinforcing its growing presence beyond MLS. His tenure quickly established Inter Miami as a competitive force both in the United States and internationally.

“I will always carry with me the memory of our first star… I have no doubt that the Club will continue to achieve success in the future,” Mascherano added.

Mascherano’s exit marks the end of a defining era, but also the beginning of a new phase for Inter Miami, one that will look to build on the foundation established during his tenure.

After falling behind early to a 15th-minute strike by Jorge Ruvalcaba, Inter Miami found an equalizer just one minute before halftime thanks to a well-taken goal by Mateo Silvetti.

The hosts struck again early in the second half, with German Berterame netting his first official goal for Inter Miami. At that moment, it appeared the Herons were well on their way to a historic first win at their new grounds.

However, with only 13 minutes remaining on the clock, Julian Hall orchestrated a brilliant play to set up Adri Mehmeti for a tap-in, spoiling the party for Inter Miami and ensuring the points were shared at Nu Stadium.

[Watch Inter Miami vs New York RB in the USA on Apple TV]

Inter Miami head into this matchup aiming to rebound from a frustrating draw against Austin FC, a result that leaves them fourth in the standings with 11 points but still just two behind league leaders Nashville SC, keeping Lionel Messi and company firmly in the early-season race.

Awaiting them is a dangerous New York Red Bulls side sitting seventh with 10 points and eager to climb the table, making this clash a pivotal opportunity for both teams as they look to gain momentum and close the gap at the top.

When will the Inter Miami vs New York RB match be played?

Inter Miami will play against New York RB this Saturday, April 11, in a 2026 MLS regular season game, with kickoff scheduled for 7:30 PM (ET).

Inter Miami vs New York RB: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:30 PM
CT: 6:30 PM
MT: 5:30 PM
PT: 4:30 PM

How to watch Inter Miami vs New York RB in the USA

Tune Apple TV to catch the 2026 MLS regular season showdown between Inter Miami and New York RB live in the USA.

“They don’t get distracted at all,” Bradley told Bolavip during a media session on Thursday. “We have a really good group. Training has been excellent all week. Like we have all season long, we continue to talk about the idea that we play one game at a time.

“You play the team that’s in front of you, and you get ready, you do everything you can all week to prepare and to be ready, when that whistle blows, to spill your heart and soul into that game and that 90 minutes. And when that’s done, then we get ready to do it again.“

Inter Miami chasing first win at Nu Stadium

Saturday will be only the second-ever game to be held at Nu Stadium, a venue Inter Miami heavily invested in to play near Miami International Airport after years of making Fort Lauderdale their temporary home.

A Messi header saw Inter Miami share a 2-2 draw against Austin FC in the Nu Stadium opener, so the Herons are still chasing their first-ever win at their new home.

Bradley says NY Red Bulls are excited and ready

Bradley had nothing but praise for Inter Miami, calling them “a very good team with a lot of very good players,” while describing Messi as “the best player of all time,” praising how the Argentine star can play in different positions in Javier Mascherano’s scheme.

However, the NY Red Bulls head coach let everyone know that neither the new stadium nor the opponents’ strength will prevent his team from concentrating on winning the game.

“As I said, we are excited. The new stadium in Miami looks incredible. Anytime as a player you get to play against good teams, good players, that’s what it’s all about. You want to play in the biggest games. As a group, we are really excited, and I know that we’ll be ready when the game starts,” Bradley added.

Dylan Nealis excited to return to Miami

An interesting storyline ahead of Saturday’s game has to do with defender Dylan Nealis, who also addressed the press on Thursday.

The 27-year-old will be facing the team that drafted him third overall in 2020. Curiously, Nealis’ professional debut came against his current team during an Inter Miami 1-4 loss to the New York Red Bulls.

“Yeah, it was quite long ago,” Nealis told Bolavip. “I mean, I haven’t really changed much as a player, at least I don’t think so, but maybe just a bit more mature. I was changing, I was playing different positions at that time. Just excited, that’s the club I started at, so happy to get back down there.”

This game will have implications in the top spots of the 2026 MLS Eastern Conference regular season standings. Inter Miami arrive in fourth place with 11 points, with New York just one point shy in seventh place.

Before the tournament kicked off, Inter Miami held the No. 3 spot in the region. However, following the conclusion of the Round of 16, Concacaf updated its official rankings, revealing that Miami has fallen to seventh place with 1,238 points.

Nashville’s elimination of Messi’s squad was a massive shock, as Inter Miami entered the competition as heavy favorites. Concacaf officially labeled the result as “The Biggest Upset,” a victory that propelled Nashville up seven positions into the top 10, landing them in eighth place with 1,277 points.

The Concacaf top 10: Who leads the region?

The battle at the summit sees defending champions Cruz Azul (1,271 pts) reclaiming the No. 1 spot from Liga MX winners Toluca (1,265 pts). Seattle Sounders remain the highest-ranked MLS side, rounding out the podium in third place (1,254 pts).

LAFC (1,251) and Club America (1,247) both climbed two spots to claim fourth and fifth place, respectively, following strong Round of 16 victories. Meanwhile, Tigres UANL (1,239) slipped one position despite advancing to the Champions Cup quarterfinals.

Inter Miami have officially dropped four positions in the latest Concacaf rankings, landing just behind the top Mexican clubs. Meanwhile, Nashville SC (1,227) and CD Guadalajara (1,220) both surged into the top ten, securing the eighth and ninth spots, respectively, and Columbus Crew (1,219) clings to the 10th spot after sliding two positions.

Messi looking to bounce back in MLS

The Champions Cup was Inter Miami’s primary target for 2026, but the early exit has shifted all pressure onto their MLS campaign. Despite the tournament heartbreak, Messi has been in vintage form to start the domestic season, netting five goals in fivematches and leading the team to three victories.

Currently sitting in fourth place in the Eastern Conference, the Herons trail leaders Nashville by just two points. With the continental trophy out of reach, the Herons are now fully focused on defending the MLS Cup.

Son was the driving force behind LAFC’s dominant 6-0 victory over Orlando City SC, delivering a stunning performance on Saturday. With four assists on the night, the South Korean star matched an MLS milestone previously reached only by Messi.

The performance made Son just the second player in MLS history to record four assists in a single half of a single game, a remarkable achievement that placed him at the top of the 2026 season assist leaderboard with six.

How Son’s assists happened

The match started quickly in the seventh minute when Son broke down the right side and delivered a low cross, but the ball deflected off David Brekalo and resulted in an own goal.

Son’s influence continued to grow, as Denis Bouanga completed a first-half hat trick with goals in the 20th, 23rd, and 28th minutes, all assisted by the South Korean, before Sergi Palencia made it 5-0 in the 39th minute with another assist from Son.

The first goal was officially recorded as an own goal, meaning Son’s involvement in that play did not count as an assist. Even so, his direct impact on five of LAFC’s six first-half goals was undeniable.

When did Messi reach that mark

The only other player to accomplish that feat was Lionel Messi, who in May 2024 delivered not four but five assists in Inter Miami’s 6-2 win over the New York Red Bulls. Unlike Son, Messi recorded all five assists in the second half and also scored, reaching six direct goal contributions in a single MLS game, a record that still stands.

Speculation reached a fever pitch during yesterday’s training session after Messi sat out the final drills, casting doubt on his status for the stadium’s grand opening.

However, head coach Javier Mascherano quickly cleared the air, explaining that the move was a pre-planned rest period due to the workload Messi carried while representing Argentina during the March FIFA international break.

Confirmed Inter Miami lineup

Having confirmed that Messi is in peak physical condition, Mascherano will lean on the Argentine icon to lead the squad for the Nu Stadium opener. With the captain cleared to play, the Argentine coach will have a full-strength roster at his disposal for today’s historic clash.

Inter Miami’s confirmed lineup to face Austin FC: Dayne St. Clair; Ian Fray, Maximiliano Falcon, Micael, Noah Allen; Rodrigo de Paul, David Ayala; Tadeo Allende, Lionel Messi, Telasco Segovia; Mateo Silvetti.

Messi looking to lead Inter Miami this season

After a surprising early exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup in the first round against Nashville SC, Inter Miami are under pressure to deliver a standout MLS campaign to satisfy their supporters.

With Messi at the helm, the Herons have already shown signs of dominance in the opening weeks. In just four matches played during the 2026 MLS season, the Argentine icon has netted four goals, leading the team to three victories. Their only setback so far was a narrow defeat in the season opener against LAFC.

Messi enters the 2026 season with a historic target in his sights: becoming the first player to win three consecutive MLS regular season MVP awards. After securing the Landon Donovan MLS MVP trophy in both 2024 and 2025, he has already made history as the first player to win it back-to-back.