Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has announced he is stepping down due to personal reasons four months after leading the club to its first MLS Cup title.
“I will always carry with me the memory of our first star, and wherever I am, I will continue to wish the Club all the best moving forward,” Mascherano said in a statement. “I have no doubt that the Club will continue to achieve success in the future.
“Sending you all a big hug, and thank you for everything.”
According to the team, Sporting Director Guillermo Hoyos will assume head coaching duties going forward.
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The reigning MLS Cup champions are off to a slow start in 2026 and sit third in the Eastern Conference. Through seven matches they are 3-1-3 and are coming off a pair of 2-2 draws to Red Bull New York and Austin FC in the first two games inside their new home at Nu Stadium in Miami.
Mascherano was hired in November 2024 and led the Herons to the MLS Cup title in December. Inter Miami scored a total of 101 regular-season and postseason goals in 2025, the most in league history. They also reached the knockout portion of last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup.
In the offseason, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, who both arrived in 2023 with Lionel Messi, retired. Inter Miami spent the offseason bringing in Mexican forward Germán Berterame, Brazilian defender Micael and reigning MLS Goalkeeper of the Year Dayne St. Clair.
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Berterame has one goal in all competitions this season, while St. Clair has allowed 13 goals in eight starts.
Inter Miami came out flat in the 3-0 season-opening defeat to LAFC and have yet to win consecutive matches, while being shut out three times in all competitions.
After winning MLS Cup, Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas made it clear that the next trophy he wanted was the CONCACAF Champions Cup. That dream came to an end after losing on away goals to Nashville in the Round of 16 after earning a first-round bye.
