SOCCER: David Beckham - Inter Miami not rushing to replace head coach

Co-owner David Beckham says Inter Miami CF will take time before appointing a new head coach following the sudden departure of Javier Mascherano early in the season.

Mascherano stepped down due to personal reasons, according to a statement from the club. ESPN reported that the decision was made over the weekend following Inter Miami’s 2-2 draw with the New York Red Bulls.

Sporting director Guillermo Hoyos has been named interim manager for the Herons, who currently hold a 3-1-3 record with 12 points. Inter Miami returns to action on Saturday against the Colorado Rapids in Commerce City, Colorado.

Beckham described Mascherano’s departure as “a difficult one” during an interview with CBS Sports. Mascherano, 41, was appointed head coach on November 26, 2024, and previously led the Lionel Messi-led squad to an MLS Cup title in 2025.

“He came off the back of last season by winning our first championship,” Beckham said. “He’s an amazing person, a great coach, the players loved him, but these things happen in football clubs and we have to move on. We have to find a new coach at some point. But at the moment, we have to let things settle down.”

Mascherano replaced Gerardo 'Tata' Martino and also guided Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup final and the CONCACAF Champions Cup semifinal last year.

This was Mascherano’s first senior club coaching role after beginning his managerial career with Argentina’s youth national teams in 2021. His squads reached the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Argentina and the quarterfinals of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Inter Miami chief soccer officer Alberto Marrero will temporarily handle sporting director duties while Hoyos oversees the team in the interim. -Field Level Media/Reuters