Inter Miami stated that Mascherano resigned for personal reasons, a decision that came as a surprise to everyone at the club, according to Daily Mail - Sport. In a statement, Mascherano said he decided to end his tenure for personal reasons and thanked the club, employees, and players for unforgettable moments. The specific personal reasons behind his resignation have not been disclosed.
The club accepted Mascherano's decision on good terms, multiple reports indicate, and moved quickly to appoint Guillermo Hoyos as interim head coach. David Beckham was present at Miami's training complex on Tuesday when Hoyos was confirmed in the role, sources said. It remains unclear how long Hoyos will serve as interim or who the permanent replacement for Mascherano will be.
When they come, it's 'because he is Messi's friend.' When they leave, it's 'because he is not Messi's friend.'
Speculation has emerged that Mascherano may have been fired or departed over a fallout with Lionel Messi, but an insider confirmed to the Daily Mail that Messi played no part in the resignation. According to Daily Mail - Sport, an insider described that Messi holds significant locker room power and is close to Guillermo Hoyos, but denied any involvement in the coaching change. The truth behind the speculation about a fallout with Messi is not confirmed, and the club has not addressed these rumors publicly.
Mascherano told Miami chiefs on Sunday that he wanted to resign, major media reports, and he felt his cycle at the club was done after winning the title. According to Daily Mail - Sport, an insider described that Mascherano had been realizing his cycle felt done after winning the title in December, and he communicated to the club that he wanted to take a different personal path. The timing of his decision, coming months after the championship victory, has raised questions about the club's stability.
In recent weeks, [Mascherano] had been realizing that, after having won the title last December, his cycle at the club felt done - something he progressively felt over the last few weeks - and he communicated to the club that he wanted to take a different personal path and allow the club to continue with a different energy.
The immediate impact of this resignation on Inter Miami's performance in the 2026 season is uncertain, with the team facing the Colorado Rapids this weekend. Hoyos will lead the squad in that match, as the club navigates this sudden transition. The long-term effects on team morale and strategy are yet to be seen, but players and staff are expected to adjust under the new interim leadership.
It came as a surprise to everyone at the club; nobody expected him to make that decision.