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Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are preparing for a new chapter after head coach Gerardo "Tata" Martino officially stepped down on Tuesday.
Martino, who still had a year remaining on his contract, cited personal reasons for his decision to leave the Major League Soccer (MLS) club, according to sources close to the situation.
Tata Martino made history at Inter Miami
The Argentine coach's departure comes after a historic yet bittersweet season for Inter Miami.
Under Martino's leadership, the team secured the 2024 MLS ers' Shield, set a league record for most points in a single season with 74, and claimed the 2023 Leagues Cup title shortly after Messi ed the squad.
However, their playoff run ended abruptly earlier this month with a first-round exit against Atlanta United.
Martino ed Inter Miami in mid-2023, reuniting with Lionel Messi, whom he previously coached at FC Barcelona and with Argentina's national team.
Alongside Messi, veterans such as Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba also followed Martino's vision of transforming the club into an MLS powerhouse.
Despite the success, Inter Miami faced challenges in international competitions, bowing out of the Concacaf Champions Cup in the quarterfinals and the 2024 Leagues Cup in the round of 16.
Who will lead Lionel Messi & Inter Miami?
Martino's tenure was defined by his ability to create a harmonious environment for Messi and his star-studded teammates while integrating promising young talents like Diego Gómez and Tomás Avilés.
Yet, as the dust settles on his resignation, questions about Inter Miami's next move loom large.
One potential candidate to replace Martino is Xavi Hernandez, the former FC Barcelona coach and Messi's ex-teammate.
Xavi's reputation as a tactician and his ability to connect with a predominantly Spanish-speaking roster make him a compelling choice.
While no official names have been confirmed, the search for a coach capable of continuing Inter Miami's upward trajectory is underway.
Inter Miami's managing owner Jorge Mas and president of football operations Raúl Sanllehí are expected to Martino in a press conference on Friday.