Former Argentina, Liverpool, and Barcelona midfielder Javier Mascherano has been appointed head coach of Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.
The 40-year-old, who also played for River Plate and West Ham, has signed a three-year contract running until the end of the 2027 MLS season.
Mascherano succeeds Gerardo Martino, who stepped down last week citing “personal reasons.”
This appointment reunites Mascherano with his former Argentina and Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi, who joined Inter Miami in July 2023.
“Throughout his career as one of the world’s best players and as an experienced coach, Javier has always demonstrated what makes him great – relentless determination with the knowledge, instincts and understanding to back it up,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
Mascherano said: “To be able to lead a club like Inter Miami is an honour for me, and a privilege I will strive to make the most of.”
Javier Mascherano enjoyed a stellar career, winning 21 honors, including five La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies with Barcelona.
Internationally, Mascherano made 147 appearances for Argentina, making him the second-most capped player in the nation’s history, behind Lionel Messi.
He played in four World Cups, notably reaching the 2014 final, where Argentina fell to Germany.
Since retiring in 2020, Mascherano took charge of Argentina’s Under-20 team and managed the squad during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
In other coaching news, former Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg has been appointed head coach of St. Louis City.
The 47-year-old joins from Swedish club IF Brommapojkarna, where he guided them to a club-record 10th-place finish in the top division this year.
Mellberg, who made 260 appearances for Aston Villa between 2001 and 2008, also played for Juventus, Olympiakos, and Villarreal, and earned 117 caps for Sweden during his career.