Inter Miami made a major coaching announcement on Wednesday, unveiling Guillermo Hoyos as their new head coach. The move comes just one day after the sudden departure of Javier Mascherano, who cited personal reasons after leading the club to its historic first MLS Cup title only four months ago.

Hoyos, who previously served as the club's sporting director, steps into the role with a unique connection to the team's biggest star. His relationship with Lionel Messi dates back over two decades, to when Hoyos was a key mentor for a young Messi in Barcelona's famed La Masia academy.

Addressing the obvious question at his introductory press conference, Hoyos was clear about how that long-standing friendship will translate to the training pitch. "Friendship is non-negotiable. We share a friendship that spans many years," he stated in Spanish. "However, that friendship does not mean that we will be constantly hovering over him or in his face every single day." He emphasized that Messi, like every player, will be expected to work hard under his leadership.

While a club statement initially indicated Hoyos would take charge for the "upcoming matches," the team has since referred to him as head coach across its social media channels. However, reports suggest this may be an interim arrangement, with club sources indicating a new permanent coaching structure is expected to be in place by the start of the Leagues Cup in August.

Hoyos takes over a team in a strong position. After seven rounds of the new MLS season, Inter Miami sits third in the Eastern Conference, with the legendary Messi—the 2022 World Cup winner and eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient—remaining the dazzling centerpiece of their ambitious project.