Former Barcelona Boss 'Tata' Joins Messi’s Inter Miami As New Coach

• Gerardo Martino has been named the new coach of Inter Miami
• This will be the third time Martino will work with the Argentine
• Inter Miami sit bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference standings

Former FC Barcelona manager, Gerardo Martino, has been appointed as the new head coach of Major League Soccer (MLS) side, Inter Miami.

Martino, affectionately known as 'Tata', replaced former Manchester United defender, Phil Neville, as manager and will see him link up with marquee signing, Lionel Messi.

This marks the third occasion the Argentine tactician will be collaborating with Messi, having previously coached him at Barcelona and at a national level, per Al Jazeera.

Who is Gerardo Martino?

Martino is a revered football tactician known for his astute understanding of the game.

His impressive career has predominantly taken place in Latin America, as well as coaching the prestigious Spanish La Liga club, Barcelona.

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With a managerial career spanning over two decades, Martino brings a wealth of experience and success to the club, having overseen more than 400 games across various leagues, including MLS and on the global stage.

Among his accomplishments, the 60-year-old led Atlanta United to US league success, won multiple league titles in Paraguay, and guided the Catalan giants to Spanish Super Cup glory.

Inter Miami on Martino's signing

Following the announcement of the 60-year-old as the new coach of the club, managing owner, Jorge Mas, said in a statement, via Inter Miami's official website:

"We are very happy to be able to welcome Tata to Inter Miami. We feel he is a coach who matches our ambitions as a club and we’re optimistic about what we can accomplish together."

The MLS side acknowledged Tata's ability to coach at the highest level, as well as their belief that his vast experience would be of huge benefit to the club's quest to compete for titles.

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Inter Miami is also expecting Martino to turn the dwindling fortunes of the club around, per club co-owner, David Beckham:

"Tata is a highly respected figure in our sport whose track record speaks for itself. We are confident that his achievements in the game and experience as a head coach will inspire our team, excite our fans, and [we] look forward to seeing the impact he will have on and off the field."

Messi happy with Miami move

Sports Brief also reported on Messi's happiness with joining Inter Miami and excitement at starting a new phase of his career after ending his stint in Europe to move to the MLS.

The World Cup winner was present in his home nation to honour his countryman, Juan Roman Riquelme, who had his farewell game as an Argentina XI took on Boca Juniors XI.