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Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has opened up on head coach Javier Mascherano's abrupt exit -Credit:Shaun Clark/Getty Images
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has admitted it was "difficult" to lose Javier Mascherano after the head coach abruptly announced his resignation just seven games into the 2026 MLS season.
Mascherano brought his tenure as Miami head coach to an end on Tuesday, merely two days after being held to a 2-2 draw at home against New York Red Bulls. Mascherano cited personal reasons for his exit, though his entire coaching staff also left the organization months after clinching the franchise's first MLS Cup.
Miami has since handed the interim role to sporting director Guillermo Hoyos, yet Mascherano had been personally selected by superstar Lionel Messi owing to their longstanding footballing relationship. Miami confirmed in an official statement that it respected Mascherano's decision, and Beckham has now spoken out on the matter, via The Mirror US.
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Mascherano led Miami to its first MLS Cup Final win in 2025 -Credit:Rich Storry/Getty Images
Beckham appeared on CBS Sports during Wednesday's broadcast of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, joining live from Miami's new stadium, where he was questioned about Mascherano's unexpected departure.
"With Javier leaving us two days ago, that's a difficult one as, obviously, he came off the back of last season by winning our first championship," Beckham said. "He's an amazing person, a great coach, the players loved him.
"But, obviously, these things happen in football clubs, and we have to move on, and we have to find a new coach at some point. At the moment, we have to let things settle down. With owning a team, there is always challenges."
Mascherano was viewed as the ideal appointment for Miami when accepting the head coach role ahead of the 2025 MLS season. The former Barcelona and Argentina star possessed strong connections with Messi, Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, who were Miami's four headliners.
Following his spell coaching the U-20 Argentina national team, Mascherano excelled in his maiden season as a senior men's head coach, guiding Miami to its first MLS Cup. With the club having already secured the Leagues Cup, the Concacaf Champions Cup represented the principal focus in 2026.
However, Miami exited the competition early at the hands of fellow MLS side Nashville SC, all while league displays also became a worry. Nevertheless, Miami has been defeated just once in MLS this season and must now deal with an uncertain future under interim coach Hoyos.
Mascherano stated personal reasons were behind his choice to depart the club when he released a statement on Tuesday. "I want to let everyone know that, for personal reasons, I have decided to end my tenure as head coach of Inter Miami CF," Mascherano said.
"First and foremost, I would like to thank the club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organization for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments."
Hoyos's temporary departure from his sporting director role to take on head-coaching duties has prompted a restructuring within the Miami hierarchy, with chief soccer officer Alberto Marrero stepping up to fill the sporting director position.
The abrupt exit has triggered an unforeseen search for a new head coach, though Miami has made clear it will take its time. Former Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez has emerged as an early candidate for the vacancy.
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