Despite a dominant performance during the 2024 MLS regular season, Inter Miami faltered in the playoffs, suffering a first-round elimination against Atlanta United. Now, in a surprising turn of events, Gerardo Martino has reportedly decided to step down as head coach, a move that will undoubtedly impact Lionel Messi and his teammates heading into the 2025 season.
According to MLS insider Tom Bogert of GiveMeSport, Martino cited personal reasons for his departure, leaving a void at the helm of a team that had high hopes for continued success in the upcoming season. In fact, the Argentine head coach was under contract with Inter Miami for one more year.
āTataā Martino joined in mid-2023 as part of the Heronsā ambitious efforts to elevate the club to elite status. Alongside Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, Martinoās arrival marked a turning point in the franchiseās history.
The former Barcelona and Argentina national team coach wasted no time implementing his signature attacking philosophy, centered on ball possession and dynamic play. This tactical overhaul quickly bore fruit, as Inter Miami claimed their first-ever title by winning the 2023 Leagues Cup.
With another year under his belt and a roster bolstered by additional stars, including Luis Suarez, Martino guided Inter Miami to unprecedented success in the 2024 season. The Herons not only topped the Eastern Conference and captured the Supportersā Shield but also shattered the leagueās all-time points record, firmly establishing themselves as a dominant force in MLS.
Head coach Tata Martino of Inter Miami looks on against Monterrey prior to the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2024
Martinoās surprising departure
Despite an impressive regular season that saw Inter Miami dominate the MLS standings, their playoff campaign ended abruptly with a first-round loss to Atlanta United at Chase Stadium. The early exit was a bitter disappointment for a team that had set its sights on the championship.
Speaking candidly in the post-game press conference, Gerardo āTataā Martino admitted the teamās shortcomings. āIf you think about the expectations we had for this playoff, we obviously fell too short,ā he said. Reflecting further, he added, āIn this last part of the year, we got used to achieving the goals we set ourselves, and the most important one we have not been able to achieve.ā
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Martinoās surprising seven-word message about Messiās future after Inter Miamiās MLS playoffs exit
Despite the setback, Martino struck a hopeful note about the clubās future, praising their progress. āI donāt think there is any reason for the club not to keep trying next year. Everything that has happened this year, the bad and the good, has been overall better than anything that happened last year, and I would say even since the life the club has had,ā he remarked.
Given these comments, many believed Martino would remain with the franchise to pursue redemption in 2025. However, his recent decision to step down has left everyone surprised, marking the end of an era for the Herons.
