Longtime Messi friend Hoyos unveiled as Inter Miami head coach

Guillermo Hoyos has stressed that his long friendship with Lionel Messi will not prevent him from demanding the highest standards after being introduced as Inter Miami’s new coach. The sixty‑two‑year‑old Argentine, previously the club’s sporting director, replaces Javier Mascherano, who left for personal reasons just four months after guiding Miami to their first MLS Cup title.

Hoyos, who coached Messi in Barcelona’s youth ranks more than two decades ago, said their relationship remains strong but will not influence his day‑to‑day decisions. Although the club initially described him as taking charge for “upcoming matches,” subsequent posts referred to him as head coach, though sources told AFP he is expected to remain only until mid‑year before a new staff is appointed for the Leagues Cup. After seven rounds, Miami sit third in the Eastern Conference, with Messi, an eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner, the centrepiece of a squad aiming to stay competitive.