Inter Miami is back in the headlines with an exciting and eye-catching new signing, but this time it’s for the coaching position. After Gerardo “Tata” Martino recently stepped down from leading the project spearheaded by Lionel Messi, a list of candidates emerged, and as of this Friday, one name stands out: Javier Mascherano.

According to Argentinian journalist Cesar Luis Merlo and multiple reports from Miami, the 40-year-old has been chosen by the club’s management to replace Martino as head coach and to lead Inter Miami into a new era, featuring stars like Messi, Suárez, Busquets, and Jordi Alba, former teammates of his at Barcelona.

The former Liverpool midfielder is expected to arrive in Florida after a mixed spell in charge of Argentina’s Olympic and U-21 teams, whose potential he struggled to maximize. Mascherano faced criticism from the press and fans at times, but always had the support of the Argentine Football Association (AFA).

Mascherano to join Barcelona reunion at Inter Miami

In his first role as head coach of a senior team, Mascherano will be surrounded by many friends and familiar faces, an environment that could foster the growth of both Inter Miami and the coach himself, who are both driven by ambition and, in many ways, destined for success.

If, as expected, the appointment becomes official in the coming hours, Mascherano will take charge with nearly four months to fine-tune details and build the new squad. Inter Miami’s early elimination from the MLS and the offseason in U.S. soccer give him ample time to start on the right foot.