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Longtime Messi friend Hoyos unveiled as Inter Miami coach
TL;DR
Guillermo Hoyos has been appointed as the new coach of Inter Miami, replacing Javier Mascherano. Hoyos, a longtime friend and mentor of Lionel Messi, emphasizes that their friendship will not affect his coaching approach.
Guillermo Hoyos was a key former mentor of Lionel Messi with Barcelona's youth team more than two decades ago, and the Argentine pair have remained close ever since (Leonardo Fernandez)
(Leonardo Fernandez/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP)
Guillermo Hoyos said his long friendship with Lionel Messi will not stop him working the Argentine superstar hard in training, as he was unveiled as the new coach of MLS side Inter Miami on Wednesday.
Hoyos, previously Miami's sporting director, replaces Javier Mascherano, who departed the club for "personal reasons" Tuesday just four months after guiding the club to its first MLS Cup title.
The 62-year-old Hoyos was a key former mentor of Messi with Barcelona's youth team more than two decades ago, and the Argentine pair have remained close ever since.
"Friendship is non-negotiable. We share a friendship that spans many years," said Hoyos, speaking in Spanish, at his first press conference.
"However, that friendship does not mean that we will be constantly hovering over him or in his face every single day."
A club statement initially said Hoyos will take charge of the team for the "upcoming matches," but the team has since referred to him as head coach in social media posts.
Club sources told AFP that Hoyos is expected to remain at the helm only until the middle of the year, with a new coaching setup in place by the start of the Leagues Cup in August.
After seven rounds this season, Inter Miami sit third in the MLS Eastern Conference.
Messi, a 2022 World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d'Or laureate, is the jewel in the crown of Miami's squad.
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Q&A
Who is Guillermo Hoyos and what is his connection to Lionel Messi?
Guillermo Hoyos is a former mentor of Lionel Messi from their time at Barcelona's youth team, and they have maintained a close friendship over the years.
Why did Javier Mascherano leave Inter Miami?
Javier Mascherano left Inter Miami for personal reasons, just four months after leading the team to its first MLS Cup title.
What impact will Guillermo Hoyos have on Inter Miami's training?
Guillermo Hoyos has stated that his friendship with Lionel Messi will not prevent him from working the superstar hard in training as he takes on the coaching role.
