Who is Inter Miami's long-term choice to lead the Herons if it's not Hoyos?
Messi favorite Hoyos doesn't fit the Herons' coaching model
If Guillermo Hoyos wants to be Inter Miami's coach beyond 2026 and perhaps the 2027 "sprint" season, he's got some work to do. The Herons have lost three straight matches after winning nine of their first 12 with him in charge.
The 63-year-old Argentine journeyman is an unlikely candidate for the job; his managerial career, like his playing career, can most kindly be called "undistinguished." Hoyos played for 13 teams over 19 years, including 42 appearances with Boca Juniors in the late '80s. Since 2003, he's had 17 coaching positions, not including Inter Miami. So, why is Hoyos leading the Herons?
Two words: Lionel Messi. Inter Miami's captain famously left Argentina in 2000 to train at Barcelona's La Masia Academy in Spain. Hoyos was at La Masia between 2003 and 2005 and worked closely with his young countryman. The two became close enough that Messi called Hoyos his "soccer father" during a 2005 news conference.
He helped me a lot from the moment he arrived at Barcelona, he was with me at all times. He gave me advice, taught me things and did everything possible so that I could be where I am today, in the first division.Messi on Hoyos in 2005.
Hoyos joined Inter Miami in 2023, shortly after Messi arrived in South Florida. He first served as the director of methodology at Inter Miami Academy and also served as director of player development and as an assistant scout and coach under former coach Javier Mascherano. He took over as interim coach after Mascherano resigned in April.
It seems unlikely that Inter Miami will keep Hoyos in the post, despite his relationship with Messi. Owners David Beckham, Jorge Mas and Jose Mas intend to build an internationally respected footballing organization and already have shown they aren't afraid to pursue top talent, on and off the pitch. So, who might they be targeting to lead the Herons into the future? Here are a few candidates who might be on their short list:
Pep Guardiola -- Guardiola coached Messi -- and Luis Suárez, and former Herons Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, and Mascherano -- at Barcelona. Considered one of the greatest coaches of any generation, he led Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City to multiple major trophies. His Man City contract expired after this year's English Premier League season, and he's said he wants to spend time with his family before thinking about his coaching future. It's unlikely that a manager with his resume would find Major League Soccer a worthwhile challenge, but I didn't believe Messi would come to Inter Miami, either. Anything is possible!
Xavier Hernández -- Another former Messi teammate, Xavi is steeped in the Barça style adopted by Inter Miami and coached Barcelona to a La Liga and Spanish Super Cup titles. But he hasn't coached for almost two years and seems likely to pursue opportunities in Europe. He's a popular choice among supporters but, like Guardiola, is a long shot.
Marcelo Gallardo – Like each Herons coach of the Messi era (Tata Martino, Mascherano and Hoyos), Gallardo is Argentine. The 50-year-old has enjoyed success at River Plate, where he's managed for all but one season (2023-24 at Al-Ittihad) since 2014.
Wilfried Nancy – Nancy, 49, a French-Canadian, won the 2023 MLS Cup with the Columbus Crew and earned the 2024 MLS Coach of the Year Award after leading the Crew to a Leagues Cup title and second place in CONCACAF Champions Cup. He also coached CF Montréal and is known for the same high-pressing, possession-oriented systems preferred by Inter Miami. Nancy made international headlines when he was hired to lead Celtic in the Scottish Premier League but was fired after losing six of his first eight matches. I think Nancy is a good coach and will find his way back to MLS, but probably not to Inter Miami.
Lionel Scaloni – The 48-year-old Argentina national team manager led La Albiceleste to the 2022 World Cup and back-to-back Copa América titles. Much of his success has come by building teams to maximize Messi's talents and he's a vocal supporter of the Argentina and Inter Miami captain. It's likely he would like a chance to manage in Europe, but his relationship with Messi might make him a dark horse option.
So, who gets the job? Of the five above, I think Gallardo and Nancy make the most sense, and Gallardo would have a cultural advantage considering the strong Argentine/South American influences at the club. But, barring a complete collapse, I think Hoyos will be calling the shots through next spring with a new hire coming in after the European seasons wrap up. And, who knows? He could lift the Supporters' Shield and/or the MLS Cup and shed the interim tag; What? It could happen.
