Lionel Messi will reunite with his countryman and former manager at both FC Barcelona and Argentina national team, Gerardo Martino at Inter Miami.
The former Barcelona manager has been appointed as the new manager of Inter Miami, replacing Manchester United legend Phil Neville who was sacked on June 1 following a series of dismal results with the club.
Gerardo Martino’s last had a spell on the dugout during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, leading Mexico national team to the tournament.
After crashing out in the group stage, the 60-year-old left his role.
After the sack of Phil Neville, Martino was primed as a top favorite to emerge as Inter Miami new manager with his great managerial profile and wealth of experience.
Speaking after confirming Gerardo Martino as Inter Miami new manager, Manchester United legend and Inter Miami co-owner, David Beckham expressed his optimism of Martino’s ability to upturn the club’s misfortunes base on his track record and wealth of experience.
“Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport whose track record speaks for itself.
“We are confident that his achievements in the game and experience as a head coach will inspire our team and excite our fans and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the field,” David Beckham said.
Martino will start work with Inter Miami upon the receipt of his work documentation.
Lionel Messi set to reunite with Gerardo Martino
Lionel Messi will reunite with Gerardo Martino after he joined the club this summer as a free agent from PSG.
The reunion will be the third time the two Argentina compatriots will work together as player and manager on club and national team duties.
Lionel Messi was part of the Argentina squad that reached Copa America final twice in 2015 and 2016 under the watch of Gerardo Martino.
Messi was also part of the Barcelona squad that won the Supercopa Des Espana in 2013 under the guidance of Gerardo Martino.
While Lionel Messi will be joining the MLS for the first time, Gerardo Martino has his marks on the US elite division, having managed Atlanta United and led the club to MLS Cup victory in 2018.
Who is Gerardo Martino?
Gerardo Martino is a professional football manager and former player from Argentina currently serving as Inter Miami manager following his recent appointment as the club’s new manager.
Martino and Lionel Messi hail from the same City in Rosario, Argentina and have had spells with Newell’s Old Boys at the start of their career.
Gerardo Martino played three times for Newell’s Old Boys in 1980 to 1990, 1991 to 1994, and in 1995 before joining O’Higgins in 1996
Martino wrapped up his club career in 1996 at Barcelona SC in Ecuador. He made only one appearance for Argentina national team in 1991.
Managerial career
Gerardo Martino’s career as a football manager is a stark contrast to his career as a player. He is one of the most famous football managers from Argentina. He has managed 13 teams, cutting across clubs and national teams.
He has managed Newell’s Old Boys, his boyhood club, Argentina national team, La Liga giants Barcelona, MLS side Atlanta United, and Mexico national team.
Known for his tiki-taka and attacking style of football, Gerardo Martino won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2019 with Mexico and finished as runner-up in the next edition of the tournament in 2021. He also reached CONCACAF Nations League final in 2021 with the team.
Martino led Argentina national team twice to Copa America final in 2015 and 2016. He won the MLS Cup with Atlanta United in 2018 and Supercopa de Espana with Barcelona in 2013.
