Guillermo Hoyos has stated that his long-standing friendship with Lionel Messi won’t deter him from pushing the Argentine superstar during training, as he was officially introduced as the new head coach of MLS club Inter Miami on Wednesday.
Hoyos, who previously served as Miami’s sporting director, steps into the role following the departure of Javier Mascherano, who left the club for “personal reasons” just a day earlier, only four months after leading the team to their first MLS Cup victory.
The 62-year-old Hoyos was an influential coach for Messi during his time with Barcelona’s youth setup over two decades ago, and the two have maintained a close bond ever since.
“Our friendship is invaluable. We have been friends for many years,” Hoyos remarked in Spanish during his inaugural press conference.
“However, that doesn’t mean we will constantly be hovering over him or in his face every day.“
Initially, a club announcement indicated that Hoyos would oversee the team for the “upcoming matches,” but the team has since referred to him as head coach in their social media updates.
Sources within the club informed AFP that Hoyos is likely to remain in charge only until mid-year, with a new coaching structure planned to be in place by the start of the Leagues Cup in August.
As of now, Inter Miami currently sit in third place in the MLS Eastern Conference after seven rounds this season.
Messi, the 2022 World Cup champion and an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, is undoubtedly the standout talent in Miami’s roster.
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