Barcelona legend will take over in South Florida by signing long-term contract, according to Cesar Luis Merlo. Mascherano had led Argentina’s under-20 team since January 2022. He coached Argentina at the 2024 Paris Olympics to a quarter-final exit, losing to silver medalists France .

Mascherano made 414 appearances for Lionel Messi for club and country. Mascherano won five La Liga titles and two Champions Leagues with Barcelona. He holds a 13-1-8 record as Argentina U20 coach.

Martino resigned as head coach of Inter Miami last Tuesday after an elimination in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs. The Argentine won a Leagues Cup and a Supporters’ Shield during his tenure while setting a new single-season points record. He left with a record of 38-13-16.

Miami was a heavy favorite to win the MLS Cup this season with Lionel Messi and Luis Suárez leading the way. However, Atlanta United took advantage of that of Miami defensive deficiencies eliminating the Herons in their own stadium in three games.

Mascherano not only needs to improve after an early exit from the playoffs, but he is also tasked with improving a defense that relied too heavily on high line play.

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