Javier Mascherano walks out on Lionel Messi as ex-Liverpool man issues statement
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Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano has left the club with immediate effect, the Herons confirmed on Tuesday, with the Argentinian releasing a lengthy statement explaining his decision.Javier Mascherano announced his departure from Inter Miami, despite being Lionel Messi's preferred coach(Image: Getty Images)Inter Miami's manager, personally selected by Lionel Messi, has confirmed his departure from the club.Javier Mascherano, who coached Messi for just over a year and previously played alongside him at Barcelona, is stepping down from his role with the Herons with immediate effect. Mascherano's backroom team will also be departing alongside him.
"I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF," Mascherano said.READ MORE: Hugo Ekitike stretchered off as Liverpool star injured without contactREAD MORE: Jamie Carragher 'flabbergasted' by Arne Slot as Sir Alex Ferguson theory raised"First and foremost, I would like to thank the Club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organization for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments."Mascherano proceeded to express gratitude to supporters and reflected on the achievements during his solitary season at the helm."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. I have no doubt that the Club will continue to achieve success in the future," his statement continued.Mascherano recently met Donald Trump at the White House(Image: Getty Images)"Sending you all a big hug, and thank you for everything."During his solitary campaign in Miami, Mascherano steered the side to two pieces of silverware, including the Herons' maiden MLS Cup triumph and the Eastern Conference title, with the team netting 101 goals in total, a record for a single season.
Owner Jorge Mas confirmed this during a press conference following Tata Martino's exit from Miami, which opened the door for Messi's former teammate to take charge."I had a specific conversation with him. "That was Leo's involvement and engagement with me, which (happens) frankly all the time."On Tuesday, Mas acknowledged that despite leaving, Mascherano will "always hold a special place in the Inter Miami CF family.""Not only for being a key part of unforgettable achievements, such as winning the MLS Cup and the team's historic performance at the Club World Cup, but also for the example he set through his dedication and daily work leading the team," the statement read."We respect his decision and are deeply grateful for everything he contributed, wishing him nothing but the very best in his professional and personal future."Guillermo Hoyos will serve as Miami's head coach for the time being.