Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano resigns for 'personal reasons'

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano (L) stepped down for "personal reasons" just four months after winning the MLS Cup. Photo by Jonathan Miranda/EPA

MIAMI, April 14 (UPI) -- Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano, who led the Herons to their first MLS Cup in 2025, has resiged for personal reasons, he announced Tuesday.

Sporting director Guillermo Hoyos was named interim coach. Chief soccer officer Alberto Marrero assumed sporting director duties.

"I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF," Mascherano said in a news release.

Mascherano, who was appointed as head coach in 2024, thanked the Herons and their fans for their effort and support.

"I will always carry with me the memory of our first star, and wherever I am, I will continue to wish the club all the best moving forward," Mascherano said. "I have no doubt that the Club will continue to achieve success in the future."

The Herons scored a record 101 goals -- between the regular season and playoffs -- en route to the MLS crown in Mascherano's first season.

"Javier will forever be part of this club's history and will always hold a special place in the Inter Miami CF family," Herons owner Jorge Mas said.

"Not only for being a key part of unforgettable achievements, such as winning the MLS Cup and the team's historic performance at the Club World Cup, but also for the example he set through his dedication and daily work leading the team.

"We respect his decision and are deeply grateful for everything he contributed, wishing him nothing but the very best in his professional and personal future,"

The Herons (3-1-3) sit in third place in the Eastern Conference, four points behind first-place Nashville SC (5-1-1) and one point behind the Chicago Fire (4-1-2). They will battle the Colorado Rapids at 4:30 p.m. EDT Saturday in Denver.