Pundit details big risk Inter Miami has taken by appointing Lionel Messi's ex-teammate Javier Mascherano as new boss

Lionel Messi's former Barcelona and Argentina teammate Javier Mascherano is widely expected to become the next Inter Miami manager. However, former goalkeeper and pundit Shaka Hislop has warned that the Herons have taken a big risk in appointing Argentina's U-20 head coach.

This comes after the Miami club parted ways with Tata Martino, who led them to their first-ever Supporters' Shield. However, Martino failed to go all the way, missing out on the MLS Cup despite the Herons being strong favorites.

The club's attention have turned to Javier Mascherano, who played with Lionel Messi while the duo were at Barcelona. They also played together in the Argentina national team,

However, Shaka Hislop does not believe the U-20 head coach is too much of a risk for Inter Miami. He told ESPN that Mascherano's lack of experience in the MLS could pose a concern (via Inter Miami News):

“There are some pluses, but looking in from the outside, there are few and far between. That’s down to a couple of things, one is his inexperience. Yes, he’s been coaching Argentina’s U-20s but that’s only 20 games in charge. Coming into a system and a club like Inter Miami and a league like MLS and all the quirks that come with that and then the expectations around Inter Miami, it’s a lot.”

Time will tell if the job position at Fort Lauderdale is indeed too much for Javier Mascherano to handle. The Argentine is yet to be officially announced as the new manager of the club.

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Inter Miami co-owner provides update on Lionel Messi contract situation

Miami co-owner Jorge Mas has provided an update on Lionel Messi's contract situation at the club. The legendary Argentine playmaker joined up with the Herons in 2023 on a two-year contract that will expire next year - 2025.

With the new year just around the corner, questions have been raised about Messi's future in Miami. However, Jorge Mas has pushed to quell any rumors of an exit, sharing the club's confidence in extending his contract. He said (via Tribal Football):

"Messi has a contract until 2025. We will then discuss his future, but with the opening of the new stadium in Miami in 2026 and the opening of the 2026 season, we are very confident that Lionel Messi will be Inter Miami's number 10."

The Argentine has scored 34 goals in 39 appearances across competitions for the Miami outfit.