Javier Mascherano has left Inter Miami just seven games into the 2026 MLS season, claiming the decision was his own. Landon Donovan suggests there may be a conspiracy behind his abrupt departure.
Key points
Javier Mascherano left Inter Miami after seven games.
He claims the decision was entirely his own.
Landon Donovan suggests a conspiracy theory about the departure.
There are indications of tensions behind the scenes.
Lionel Messi reportedly chose Mascherano as head coach.
Mentioned in this story
Javier MascheranoLandon DonovanTim HowardLionel Messi
Inter Miami
Inter Miami boss Javier Mascherano speaking with reporters
Javier Mascherano recently left Inter Miami just seven games into the 2026 MLS season -Credit:Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
(Chris Arjoon/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
U.S. Men's National Team legend Landon Donovan believes there is a conspiracy theory behind Inter Miami head coach Javier Mascherano's sudden departure from the club.
Mascherano, who was reportedly handpicked by Lionel Messi, announced his decision to leave the Herons last Tuesday. The club released a lengthy statement attributed to the 41-year-old Argentine manager, in which he maintained that the decision to leave was entirely his own, despite suggestions there had been tensions behind the scenes.
"I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF," his statement began. "First and foremost, I would like to thank the Club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organization for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments."
Javier Mascherano announced his departure from Inter Miami, stating it was his own decision, but there are suggestions of tensions within the club.
What do Landon Donovan and Tim Howard say about Mascherano's exit?
Landon Donovan has raised the possibility of a conspiracy regarding Mascherano's sudden departure, while Tim Howard has also expressed doubts about the situation.
How many games did Mascherano coach Inter Miami?
Javier Mascherano coached Inter Miami for just seven games before his departure.
Who reportedly handpicked Mascherano as head coach?
Lionel Messi reportedly handpicked Javier Mascherano to be the head coach of Inter Miami.
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Landon Donovan speaking at a PANINI event
Landon Donovan believes there is more behind Mascherano's abrupt exit than meets the eye -Credit:Dave Kotinsky/Getty Images for Panini America
Donovan, alongside former USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard, discussed Mascherano's departure on the latest instalment of AMP Sports Original Series, 'Unfiltered Soccer.' The former teammates suggested that they believe "something happened" behind the scenes, stoking speculation over the circumstances surrounding Mascherano's departure from the club.
Donovan said, via The Mirror US: "Dax McCarty says: 'If you believe Tata Martino, fresh off the best regular season in MLS history, and Javier Mascherano, fresh off winning MLS Cup four months ago, decided to just up and leave due to personal reasons only - I've got some ocean front property to sell you in Nebraska.' So what's going on here?"
Howard replied saying: "I personally - if there's language from a club about a manager leaving, to me, he just got sacked. I don't believe any of it. There's certain language that has to be said so the payments get through. You got sacked for whatever reason. I don't know why."
Donovan pointed out that, in the majority of managerial contracts, dismissal typically carries financial compensation, unless a manager is sacked for serious misconduct. "Actually, I hadn't even taken it that way, but I think you're right. I mean, just so people know - if you get fired, you get paid," added the 44-year-old. "You get paid out, unless you're getting fired for cause for doing something horrible. If you up and leave, you're not getting paid. And I'm guessing Javier Mascherano wanted to get paid."
Howard, meanwhile, offered a subtly contrasting perspective, contending that a sudden exit typically suggests external circumstances were at play. "I just think if you leave your post, if you leave your employment, sort of unwillingly, you really don't want to leave - you got fired. Something happened," added the longtime Everton shotstopper.
Mascherano was largely regarded as a perfect fit for Inter Miami when he assumed the head coach role ahead of the 2025 MLS campaign. The former Barcelona and Argentina midfielder possessed strong ties with influential figures such as Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, who represented the backbone of Miami's roster.
Following his spell in charge of Argentina's U-20 national side, Mascherano achieved instant success in senior club management, steering Inter Miami to their maiden MLS Cup triumph in the club's history. Having already claimed the Leagues Cup, focus in 2026 had turned towards the CONCACAF Champions Cup as the next significant target.
The Herons suffered an early departure from continental competition against MLS opponents Nashville SC, while domestic form also started to generate concerns. Notwithstanding those disappointments, Miami has been defeated only once in MLS this season, but the club now faces a spell of instability as it progresses under caretaker boss Guillermo Hoyos.
