Inter Miami CF announced Tuesday that head coach Javier Mascherano has stepped down from his role for personal reasons, bringing to a close a remarkable tenure highlighted by the club’s first-ever MLS Cup title and a record-setting 2025 campaign.
Mascherano’s departure comes less than two years after he took charge in January 2025 and quickly transformed the club into one of the most dominant teams in Major League Soccer history. In his first season at the helm, he guided Inter Miami to two major trophies, including the franchise’s historic first MLS Cup triumph and the Eastern Conference championship milestones that firmly established the club among the league’s elite.
In a statement released by the club, Mascherano expressed gratitude to the organization and supporters who helped shape his time in South Florida.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank the Club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organization for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments,” Mascherano said. “I also want to thank the fans and La Familia, because none of this would have been possible without them. I will always carry with me the memory of our first star, and wherever I am, I will continue to wish the Club all the best moving forward.”
Mascherano’s lone full season in charge will be remembered as one of the most prolific in MLS history. Inter Miami scored a combined 101 goals across the regular season and playoffs, the most ever recorded in a single season, including a postseason-record 20 goals. The club also navigated a demanding 58-match schedule across all competitions, showcasing depth and attacking consistency throughout the campaign.
Beyond domestic success, the club achieved several international milestones under Mascherano’s leadership. During the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Inter Miami became the first MLS team to reach the knockout rounds of the tournament. They also made history as the first Concacaf club to defeat European opposition in an official international match and the first U.S.-based team to earn a victory in the competition — a landmark achievement for both the club and the league.
Regionally, Inter Miami advanced to the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup and reached its second Leagues Cup final in just its third appearance in the tournament, further cementing its status as a rising continental force.
Mascherano departs alongside the coaching staff that joined him at the start of the 2025 season. In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, the club confirmed that Guillermo Hoyos will assume duties as first-team head coach on an interim basis for upcoming matches.
Hoyos brings more than two decades of professional playing experience and an extensive managerial résumé spanning Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Bolivia, Greece, and Cyprus. He also served as head coach of the Bolivia national team and has deep ties to youth development through his time with FC Barcelona’s academy structure. Since joining Inter Miami, Hoyos has overseen the club’s professional pathway development system while serving as sporting director.
At the same time, Chief Soccer Officer Alberto Marrero will assume sporting director responsibilities effective immediately, ensuring continuity in roster planning and organizational structure during the transition.
Though brief, Mascherano’s tenure leaves a lasting imprint on Inter Miami’s identity. He delivered the club’s first championship star, rewrote MLS scoring records, and helped elevate the team onto the global stage with unprecedented performances in international competition.
His departure marks the end of one of the most successful managerial chapters in club history — but also the beginning of a new phase as Inter Miami looks to build on a foundation of silverware, ambition, and continental credibility.
