Messi's Inter Miami Takeover

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Lionel Messi's transformation of Inter Miami was instantaneous, with his arrival in 2023 bringing unparalleled attention and talent to the team. However, his takeover of the club was gradual, with Messi needing time to familiarize himself with the levers of power. Now, in his third year, it seems his takeover is complete, with a longtime teammate as his head coach and his former academy coach overseeing the roster.

Messi's influence on Inter Miami is evident, with the team's roster and coaching staff reflecting his preferences. His leadership style is characterized by a mix of humility and assertiveness, with Messi using his influence to lift standards and represent the team to the owners and coaches. However, his role as a superstar-GM raises questions about the balance of power within the club and the potential risks of relying too heavily on a single individual's vision.

The appointment of Javier Mascherano as head coach has drawn mixed reactions, with some questioning his lack of experience as a club manager. However, Mascherano's relationship with Messi and his understanding of the team's dynamics are seen as key factors in his hiring. The team's roster has also undergone significant changes, with new signings and departures reflecting Mascherano's vision for the team. The list of new signings includes:

• Tadeo Allende
• Telasco Segovia
• Gonzalo Luján
• Maxi Falcón

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Mascherano's ability to handle the job, he is confident in his abilities and has the support of Messi and the club's owners. The team's performance in the 2025 season will be closely watched, with many questioning whether Mascherano can lead the team to success and whether Messi's influence will be a positive or negative factor.

The MLS season is set to begin, with Inter Miami's opener against New York City FC being a highly anticipated match. Messi's presence is expected to drive up ticket prices and attract new fans to the sport. However, his reluctance to engage with the media and public has raised questions about his commitment to growing the sport in the US. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Messi's influence shapes the team's performance and the league as a whole.