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| Source=Fabricio Romano SNS |
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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Javier Marcherano (40), Argentina's U-20 coach, and Lionel Messi (37, Inter Miami), who shared a meal with the Argentine national soccer team at FC Barcelona, will reunite in the United States.
On the 22nd (Korea time), transfer expert Fabrizio Romano quoted Argentine famous reporter Cesar Luis Merlot's exclusive report, "Mascherano is expected to become Miami's new manager." Mascherano, who has had a special relationship with Messi, has agreed to serve as Miami manager. The transfer documents are being prepared," he said, adding that the contract was imminent.
Miami, where David Beckham is the owner, has been looking for a new head coach since former coach Gerardo Martino stepped down this month. Coach Martino, who took the helm of Miami in July 2023, recruited Messi, who had a relationship with Barcelona and Argentina in the same month, and set the record for the most points (74 points) in the history of the U.S. professional football (MLS) this season, but withdrew after being eliminated from the MLS Cup playoffs due to his "personal history".
Mascherano and Messi have a strong bond. Mascherano, who was evaluated as the world's best defensive midfielder when he was active, moved from Liverpool to Barcelona in 2010 and worked with Messi for eight years until he left for China in 2018. He is one of the leading players in the 2014-2015 season.
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| AFP Yonhap News |
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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As a member of the Argentine national team, he won the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the runner-up at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Mascherano has been a strong supporter of Messi both inside and outside the stadium. Messi visited Argentina's U-20 national team training site last month and took pictures with all his juniors to save Mascherano's spirit.
Mascherano, who retired from active duty in 2020, has been in charge of Argentina's U-20 team since 2021. Last summer, he hoped to bring Messi to the 2024 Paris Olympics, but it was eventually canceled due to opposition from his team Miami.
Inter Miami also includes Mascherano's teammates Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. Inter Miami is considered to be the "Barcelona of the United States". When Mascherano is appointed, Barcelona's color becomes darker. Mascherano has already coached midfielder Federico Redondo and defender Thomas Aviles for Miami in Argentina's U-20 team.
Ironically, Miami owner Beckham played for Barcelona's rival Real Madrid when he was a player. It is interpreted as an intention to inject 'Barca DNA' into Miami through Barcelona players who have dominated an era.
yoonjinman@sportschosun.com
