A former Barcelona manager has clarified his position regarding joining Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. After being linked to the MLS club, the tactician stated his intention to take a year-long break from coaching before considering his next role, ideally within European football. This decision rules out any immediate plans to reunite with Messi in Miami.
Inter Miami is currently managed by another former Barcelona coach, Gerardo Martino, who led the team to their first-ever MLS Playoffs this season and secured the Supporters’ Shield. Martino has been in charge of the club for 67 games, achieving an average of 1.9 points per game. His previous tenure with Barcelona saw him average 2.22 points per game over 59 matches.
The recently dismissed Barcelona coach managed 143 games for the Catalan club, where he averaged 2.07 points per game and guided the team to the 2023 LaLiga title. As a player, he shared the pitch with Lionel Messi for 399 games, combining for 41 goals and securing numerous trophies, including four UEFA Champions League titles and seven LaLiga championships.
Xavi continues with his plan: sabbatical year and then an European club for his next job. His dream would be to manage in the Premier League
He doesn’t intent to join Messi at Inter Miami.
In any case the MLS club has been looking for a different profile of manager pic.twitter.com/1kkRMijd3s
— Guillem Balague (@GuillemBalague) November 21, 2024
When discussing Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami in 2023 after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, the coach expressed empathy and understanding. Despite the possibility of Messi returning to Barcelona, the Argentine star chose to join MLS instead. Reflecting on the situation, the former Barcelona coach highlighted Messi’s desire to escape the constant pressure that had surrounded him throughout his career.
He noted that Messi’s decision came after self-reflection, as he sought a quieter and less stressful life. While excitement surrounded the possibility of Messi returning to Barcelona, circumstances didn’t align for the move. The coach emphasized the need to respect Messi’s decision and acknowledged the immense challenges that come with being in the public eye as one of football’s greatest players.
Messi has since thrived at Inter Miami, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer with 34 goals in 39 appearances. Meanwhile, the former Barcelona coach remains without a team following his departure from the Catalan side.