Inter Miami CONFIRM Tata Martino as their new head coach as he reunites with Lionel Messi

Inter Miami have announced ex-Barcelona and Argentina manager Tata Martino as the club’s new head coach.

Martino coached Messi during the 2013-14 season at Barcelona and also worked with him at the international level from 2014-16. 

The 60-year-old Rosario, Argentina native already has MLS experience with Atlanta United – who he won the 2018 MLS Cup with – and last coached with the Mexican national team at the World Cup in Qatar.

‘Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport whose track record speaks for itself,’ co-owner David Beckham wrote in a club statement.

 ‘We are confident that his achievements in the game and experience as a head coach will inspire our team and excite our fans and look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the field.’

Martino coached Messi during the 2013-14 season at Barcelona, and later with Argentina

 Martino led Messi’s Argentina to two consecutive Copa America finals with Argentina

‘I’m very excited to join a big club like Inter Miami and I know together we can accomplish many great things,’ Martino added himself.

‘The Club has the necessary infrastructure to be a major competitor in the region and I believe that with everyone’s hard work and commitment we can get there.’

In his lone season as Barcelona manager, Martino oversaw a second-place finish in La Liga and a quarterfinal exit in the Champions League.

He also led Argentina to two consecutive Copa America finals appearances – both losses on penalties to Chile. 

Now that the club has confirmed Martino’s arrival, as well Sergio Busquets’, the final domino to fall is Messi.

The World Cup winner announced his intention to join Inter Miami earlier this month, but has not yet finalized his move to MLS.

The club has confirmed it’s eyeing the July 21 game vs. Mexican side Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup as Messi’s debut.

Martino succeeds the club’s previous coach Phil Neville, who was relieved of his duties earlier this month.

And he’ll certainly have his work cut out for him with the club last in the Eastern Conference with just 15 points from 18 games.