Javier Mascherano’s sudden Inter Miami exit followed ‘argument’ amidst Lionel Messi tension

Messi had a hand in the selection of Mascherano as Tata Martino's replacement in 2024 -Credit:Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images

That being said, The Athletic’s Tom Bogert has attempted to shed some light on the situation, explaining that “discontent” had grown within the Miami locker room beginning with their Round of 16 CONCACAF Champions Cup exit at the hands of Nashville SC in March.

The Champions Cup had been a primary focus for Miami heading into the 2026 season, as hinted at by new signing Dayne St. Clair upon his arrival.

Appearing on the ‘Money Buys Happiness’ podcast following his move from Minnesota United, the Canadian international goalkeeper explained, “One of the first things that they said to me when I signed was the Champions Cup is what we're after. And that's one of the trophies that they haven't won yet. And we're looking forward to that.”

However, it seems this alone wasn’t the catalyst for Mascherano’s decision to leave, with Bogert stating that there had been an argument within the locker room at NU Stadium, following Miami’s second draw in as many games at their newly opened home on Saturday.

Since moving into the 25,000-seater NU Stadium, Miami has drawn 2-2 with both Austin FC and, most recently, the New York Red Bulls. These results have left them third in the Eastern Conference on 12 points with a 3-3-1 record.

The Herons are now just one point behind the Chicago Fire in second and four adrift of Nashville at the summit.

But while general tension had been on the rise within the Miami camp, it seems there was also a more specific issue at play in the background between Mascherano and Messi.

Bogert claimed that the atmosphere within the team is “intense” thanks to Messi’s ‘extremely competitive’ nature, and that he and Mascherano “would get into arguments or heated discussions often.”

This wasn’t seen as unusual, however, given that both are extremely driven and highly successful athletes, adding that there remained a level of respect between them.

Guillermo Hoyos has taken charge of Miami on an interim basis -Credit:Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images

While this may have been the case, for whatever reason, it seems Mascherano felt it was time to cut short his tenure. For the time being, Miami has appointed sporting director and Messi’s self-described “footballing godfather,” Guillermo Hoyos, as interim boss.

The 62-year-old, who has enjoyed a lengthy coaching career at clubs in Greece, Bolivia, and Argentina, as well as at Barcelona’s La Masia academy, was described as someone “that never says no to Messi.”

Now with back-to-back away games to prepare for and Hoyos at the helm, looking to steady the ship, fans won’t have to wait long to see if he can get them back to winning ways as they take on the Colorado Rapids and Real Salt Lake.