Major League Soccer side Inter Miami have unveiled Guillermo Hoyos as their new head coach. At his unveiling on Wednesday, Hoyos stated that his decades-long friendship with Lionel Messi would not prevent him from demanding maximum effort from the superstar during training.
The 62-year-old Argentine, who previously served as the club’s sporting director, takes over following Javier Mascherano’s resignation on Tuesday for “personal reasons.” Mascherano had led Miami to its first MLS Cup title just four months prior.
Hoyos first mentored Messi over 20 years ago as a youth coach at Barcelona, and the two have maintained a close relationship since. However, at his debut press conference, Hoyos made it clear: “Friendship is non-negotiable. We share a bond that spans many years. But that does not mean we will be hovering over him or in his face every single day.”
While a club statement initially indicated that Hoyos would only lead the team for “upcoming matches,” social media posts now refer to him as head coach. He is expected to hold the position only until mid-year, with a new coaching structure planned before the Leagues Cup begins in August.
After seven rounds, Inter Miami currently sits third in the MLS Eastern Conference. Messi, a World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d’Or recipient, remains the crown jewel of the squad.
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