Xavi shortlisted for Inter Miami head coach position

Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, are looking to appoint a new head coach after Tata Martino’s reported decision to leave the team. According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, the club has shortlisted Messi’s former Barcelona teammates for the role. Xavi, Javier Mascherano, and Sylvinho are among the shortlisted candidates for the said position.

The report also claims that Xavi and Mascherano are the front runners for the top job. Interestingly, Inter Miami’s General Manager Xavier Asensi is pushing for the appointment of the players who played for Barcelona previously. Xavi hasn’t been linked to any football since Barcelona sacked him and Inter Miami reportedly looks at him as an ideal candidate. The Herons are desperate to improve on their record-breaking MLS season and hence, might end up signing one of Xavi and Mascherano.

Meanwhile, Tata Martino reportedly offered his resignation following Inter Miami’s exit from the playoffs in the first round after their loss to Atlanta United. The decision has not been made official but is expected to be made on Friday (November 22) at a press conference. Moreover, several reports are also stating that it shouldn’t be a surprise if the club announces the replacement along with Martino’s exit on Friday.

Xavi and Messi together again?

Interestingly, Xavi was with Barcelona as manager from November 2021 before being fired in May 2024. During his tenure, he had expressed his interest in signing Lionel Messi yet again in 2023. Moreover, the former manager of Barcelona had also talked to the Argentine legend on the matter but things didn’t work out.

“The excitement was generated because we both talked, we have talked a lot. We were all looking forward to it, first for him, then for me and then for the club. But the circumstances didn't work out... He wanted to lower the level of pressure and tension. He wants a quieter life,” Xavi had said while speaking to Jijantes.

It is an open truth that Messi went the Inter Miami way and has been featuring for the club in MLS and in other tournaments for them. As far as Xavi and Messi are concerned, the duo played 399 matches together when they were with Barcelona. They combined to score 42 goals and it will be interesting to see if the duo returns to work together again albeit in a different capacity now.