When Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami in 2023, he reunited with several familiar faces, including Gerardo Martino, who had previously coached him at both Barcelona and the Argentina national team. Together, they secured the 2023 Leagues Cup, the first major trophy in the club’s history.

Despite strong results, Martino unexpectedly stepped down in November 2024, with one year remaining on his contract. In a recent interview with The Athletic, the coach explained that Messi was the first to learn of his decision.

“I called Leo and explained that I had a personal need to be in Rosario (Argentina), and that the first half of the year was going to be complicated for me. Once I explained that it wasn’t a health issue but a very difficult personal matter, he was understanding and respected the d

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