Lionel Messi is poised to return with former Barcelona manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino at Inter Miami, according to reports.
The immensely experienced coach has been unemployed since parting ways with the Mexican national team following a humiliating group-stage defeat at the 2022 World Cup. He might, however, be returning to the MLS, where he previously had success with Atlanta United.
THE BIGGER PICTURE: According to Cesar Luis Merlo, Martino is being lined up to take the reins at Inter Miami in early July – ahead of Messi’s arrival in America as a free agent. The pair have previously worked together at Barcelona and with the Argentina national side.
AND WHAT’S MORE: Martino did not enjoy the best of times at Camp Nou, as he lasted just one season at the helm, while the Albiceleste endured back-to-back Copa America final defeats at the hands of Chile during his tenure. He said when asked about what he added to Messi’s game during his spell in Catalunya: “Nothing. Nothing at all. Not to him or to Barca. I went to a team that always won and didn’t win anything while I was there. I didn’t make any mark on Barcelona. It was a bubble in my career in terms of what I did as a coach.”
IN THREE PHOTOS:
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WHAT NEXT? Inter Miami – who relieved Phil Neville of his coaching duties on June 1 – are hoping that Martino will fare a little better during a third stint working alongside Messi, with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner expected to make his debut for new employers in a Leagues Cup clash with Mexican side Cruz Azul on July 21.
