“As we often say in soccer, ‘everything has already been invented.’ There are certain coaches who have their own playbook, their style of play, their way of tranining, and of handling the day-to-day, which I believe is the most important thing,” Falcon said.

“But you also gain experience over time and realize that these things can happen. A player sometimes has a four-year deal and a certain level of stability, but for a coach it’s different. Sometimes, because of losses or other factors, they end up leaving a club after three our four games. It’s not nice, but as players we have no choice but to get used to it and try to reset our mindset quickly.“

Falcon optimistic about Inter Miami’s future

Shortly after Mascherano‘s exit, The Herons started the Hoyos era on the right foot, with Falcon playing the full 90 minutes as a Messi brace led Inter Miami to a 3-2 road win over Colorado Rapids.

“The other day it was a very tough match, in which they probably didn’t feel sorry for us at all,” Falcon added. “They were just thinking about winning the game, regarldess of how we got there. I think it’s about that, to change the mindset quickly.

“The coaching staff is there to give you tools and show you the opponents’ weaknesses, and then, obviously, we have to execute it on the field. So, to start with a win after three days of practice with the new coaching staff, I think it’s always positive to win. There always are things to fix, of course, but we’re training for that every day, and I believe we’re on the right track.“

Frustrating streak before Mascherano’s exit

With the 2025 MLS Cup win still fresh in the memory, a club statement explained Mascherano left Miami due to personal reasons, in a move that came weeks after the team suffered an early Concacaf Champions Cup exit at the hands of Nashville SC.

Additionally, the Herons failed to win their first two games at their new arena, with a draw against Austin FC at the Nu Stadium opener being followed by another tie against the New York Red Bulls.

But as Falcon suggested, Messi and Inter Miami are still in a good position, being second in the Eastern Conference standings with 15 points, four shy of Nashville after eight games.

“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.

Head coach Javier Mascherano confirmed the availability of both stars during a press conference ahead of the Round of 16 second leg. “Leo and Rodrigo are in perfect condition, as is everyone except Maxi [Falcon],” Mascherano stated, noting that the defender is the squad’s only injury concern.

Following a scoreless draw in the first leg, Inter Miami face a high-stakes scenario at Chase Stadium. Due to the away goals rule, Nashville hold a tiebreaker advantage; any scored draw (such as 1–1 or 2–2) would result in Messi and Inter Miami being eliminated from the competition.

Mascherano explains Messi and De Paul’s absences

The absence of the Argentine duo was palpable, as the squad lacked the offensive spark typically provided by Messi and the high-intensity presence De Paul brings to the midfield.

According to Mascherano, the decision to rest both players was a preventative measure due to their heavy workload. Both stars have endured a grueling schedule, featuring in nine matches over just a six-week span.

“Clearly, Rodrigo and Leo did not travel; it was a decision we made together with them,” Mascherano explained during a press conference. “We were coming off a lot of travel and games on synthetic turf. We preferred for them to avoid the trip and rest. It was nine games in a month and a half”.

The return of these two players provide a significant boost to Inter Miami’s production. Messi is the team’s leading scorer this season, with three goals in three MLS appearances this season. Meanwhile, De Paul is a dual-threat in the midfield who, has recorded one goal in three league matches while providing vital defensive cover.

“Yes, he’s fine. He’s training normally, and yes, he’s available to play. Today, due to various circumstances, we felt he shouldn’t go in,” Mascherano said during his postgame press conference when Bolavip asked him about Suarez’s status.

“But it’s not like he has any discomfort or anything like that. He’s already 100% recovered, and will surely get minutes in the upcoming games.”

Luis Suarez’s slow start to 2026 with Inter Miami

Suarez, 39, has barely seen the field in 2026. His lone appearance for Miami this year came in the MLS season opener, coming off the bench to replace Mateo Silvetti with only eight minutes remaining during the 3-0 loss to LAFC.

The former Barcelona star, who moved to South Florida in 2024 to reunite with Messi, missed the Herons’ trip to Orlando and the subsequent 4-2 victory over Orlando City but was on the bench during the 2-1 win over DC United prior to the Nashville trip.

Suarez is on a one-year contract with Inter Miami, where his role had already decreased in the final stretch of the 2025 MLS Cup playoffs. After playing just 14 minutes in the quarterfinals and only eight in the semis, Suarez watched the final on the bench.

Suarez could return to action with rotation in Miami

2026 sees Suarez sitting behind German Berterame, who joined the Herons as a Designated Player (DP) this offseason in a stellar signing from Liga MX side Monterrey CF.

Inter Miami return to action on Saturday, when they hit the road again to visit Charlotte FC in MLS play. With the team having little time to rest before it returns to Miami for the second leg against Nashville, perhaps Mascherano starts to rotate players and gives Suarez playing time.

“I’m just a privileged spectator,” Mascherano replied to Bolavip when asked about Messi breaking more records, as the Argentine star reached 898 career goals with his brace against Orlando City on Sunday.

“I just get to watch him closer than you on the sidelines. The numbers that you mention are incredible, he’s unbelievable,” Mascherano added on Messi, who also reached 70 career free-kick goals with an incredible set-piece screamer in Orlando.

Being just two goals shy of reaching 900 in his career, Messi remains hot on Cristiano Ronaldo’s heels as the Portuguese striker aims to reach the 1,000-goal mark before the Argentine ace does.

Mascherano, Messi looking for second Inter Miami win in 2026

Meanwhile, Messi and Mascherano will be looking for their second win in 2026 as Inter Miami aim to build on their Florida Derby win, which was also their first franchise victory in Orlando.

The defending MLS Cup champions, who bounced back after a 3-0 loss to LAFC in the season opener, will take on a DC United side that also has three points, having beaten the Philadelphia Union on Matchday 1 before losing to Austin last time out. The game will take place at 4:30 PM (ET), with Messi set to start on Saturday. The Herons will have little time to rest, as their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign starts Wednesday with a trip to Nashville.

This window has been the busiest in the franchise’s history. Between fresh faces and key re-signings, the club have announced ten arrivals so far. However, Inter Miami could still add more talent, with reports suggesting they are working to bring back Baltasar Rodriguez from Racing Club.

Mascherano himself confirmed that the front office are still scouring the market. “We are not done with the transfer window because this one is longer than the others, and we are always looking to add people who can contribute and improve what we have,” Mascherano told reporters before the team traveled to Ecuador for their final South American friendly against Barcelona SC.

For the 2026 campaign, Inter Miami have bolstered their ranks with German Berterame, Luis Barraza, David Ayala, Dayne St. Clair, Micael, Sergio Reguilón, Facundo Mura, and Daniel Pinter. Additionally, Tadeo Allende and Rocco Rios Novo have returned to Florida on permanent deals after their initial loan spells expired at the end of last season.

Mascherano about Inter Miami’s transfer market

Following their historic first MLS Cup triumph, Inter Miami faced significant departures as legends Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba officially retired from professional soccer. To fill those voids, the club have brought in David Ayala and Sergio Reguilon.

Mascherano expressed his satisfaction with how the franchise have navigated these high-profile exits. “I am pleased. It’s never easy in a system like MLS when you are the champions and important players leave. It is never easy to replace them,” the manager noted.

“The club have been agile and intelligent in the search for players and opportunities, such as Dayne St. Clair, who was a free agent, or Facu Mura. In other situations, these players would have cost us a lot of money and we wouldn’t have been able to bring them in. We found solutions,” Mascherano explained.

The MLS primary transfer window remains open until March 26, giving Inter Miami over a month to finalize the roster. Given Mascherano’s recent comments, it is highly likely the Herons are not done making moves just yet.

Beyond the result on the field, Mascherano delivered a message that resonated deeply with Argentina fans. The Inter Miami coach expressed optimism when asked about the possibility of Messi featuring in the next World Cup, reinforcing the belief that the captain’s international future remains very much alive.

During the match, Messi logged 76 minutes of action, and Mascherano, known as “El Jefecito,” did not hesitate when questioned by the media about whether he sees his former teammate playing at the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada. “Yes, why not?” Mascherano said bluntly.

Messi himself previously addressed the topic in a November 2025 interview with Sport, once again leaving the door open while outlining his personal conditions. “The World Cup and playing for the national team are special, especially after having won it. I don’t want to be a burden. I want to feel good physically and be sure that I can help and contribute to the group,” Messi stated at the time.

Mascherano supports Messi’s World Cup hopes

Mascherano made it clear that, while his response was hopeful, the process requires patience and collaboration between the player, the club and the national team. He emphasized that any decision will be built over time, with careful planning inside Inter Miami’s day-to-day structure.

When asked how he plans to manage preparation with the World Cup taking place during the 2026 club season, Mascherano highlighted communication as the foundation of his approach. “I like to stay close to the players and, above all, understand how they’re feeling. No one knows their body better than they do. We monitor everything and make suggestions, but in the end it has to be a two-way dialogue,” he explained.

The Inter Miami coach also shared his thoughts on Argentina’s outlook for the tournament. “Argentina will approach it in the best possible way because it has been competing at a very high level for a long time and has extraordinary players. As an Argentine, I hope our national team does really well,” Mascherano said, suggesting there are no major obstacles for Messi to be part of Lionel Scaloni’s squad.

What’s next for Inter Miami?

Inter Miami will next travel to Guayaquil, Ecuador, to face Barcelona SC at Banco Pichincha Stadium, where Messi is expected to log additional minutes as he continues building rhythm and fitness with an eye on what could be one final World Cup run.

During the post-match press conference, Mascherano addressed Messi’s missed penalty and its impact on the game, while also showing empathy and making it clear that one mistake did not define the team’s overall performance.

“I don’t think the penalty impacted the result,” Mascherano said. “We can’t be unfair and single out Messi for that. These are game situations. If anyone helps us win, it’s Leo. Beyond that unfortunate play, in the first 20 minutes we controlled the match.”

With the loss, Inter Miami dropped to eighth place in the Eastern Conference, leaving them outside the direct playoff spots. The team now has 46 points in 26 games, putting pressure on every remaining match. With so little margin for error, each upcoming fixture becomes crucial for its postseason hopes.

Key moments that defined the match

Charlotte FC immediately capitalized on Messi’s missed penalty, saved by Croatian goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina at the 32nd minute. Seconds later, Idan Toklomati opened the scoring, beginning his hat trick.

Thanks to Toklomati’s efficiency, Charlotte added two more goals at the 47th and 84th minutes, the latter from a penalty after a foul by Sergio Busquets. Mascherano commented: “That first goal really hurt us, but we managed to regain control for a while. The second goal also affected us, and after Tomás Avilés was sent off, there was no way back.”

In three of their last four away matches, Inter Miami suffered heavy losses: 4-1 against Orlando City, 3-0 to the Seattle Sounders, and 3-0 versus Charlotte FC, along with a 1-1 draw against DC United, the bottom team in the Eastern Conference.