Fabrizio Romano has confirmed some breaking news coming out of Inter Miami. Without a doubt, it will affect the GOAT Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami were recently knocked out of the MLS Playoff stage by Atlanta United. It was a stunning spectacle, whereby 11 goals were scored across three legs. Lionel Messi was a scorer in the final phase but unfortunately, his goal was not enough as the Herons were knocked out.
That said, Inter Miami did win the 2024 MLS Supporters' Shield and they have their spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup confirmed. So, it hasn't been a bad year for the Herons, despite their obviously high standards.
However, things will now be changing in Miami, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano.
Fabrizio Romano breaks major news impacting Inter Miami & Lionel Messi
Posting to X (formerly Twitter), Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Inter Miami are on the hunt for a new head coach to replace the departing Tata Martino. Tata formed a great relationship with Lionel Messi but now, the GOAT will need to work with a new tactical mastermind.
🚨👋🏻 Inter Miami are set to confirm Tata Martino’s decision to leave the club.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 20, 2024
He’s no longer the manager with Inter Miami now working to appoint new head coach soon. pic.twitter.com/upKkQzb2gd
Thankfully for Lionel Messi, the decision looks set to be made with him in mind. Or at least, it would appear that way, given the pool of coaches who could replace Tata.
Sports Illustrated compiled a list of the five potential candidates to replace Tata Martino. The two leading candidates were Javier Mascherano and Xavi, two former teammates of Messi's from their Barcelona days.
Of the two, Xavi is the safest bet. He would bring with him an incredible pedigree and an exceptional soccer mind. No soccer fan needs introducing to Messi's former teammate, as he is regarded as one of the best midfielders of all-time.
Unlike Mascherano, Xavi has experience of managing a top domestic club. Therefore, he would slot more seemlessly into the head coach role at Inter Miami. He would also have a great relationship with Inter Miami's core of former Barcelona players.
Lionel Messi has seen this position play out many times at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain in his later European days. So, he understands the need for a commanding manager to come in and gain the respect of the dressing room immediately.
Without a doubt, Lionel Messi will be key in the decision making. While he is "just a player", a lot of the decisions made at Inter Miami are understandably made with Messi in mind.