Leo Messi doesn't need an official position to have total influence at Inter Miami. His mere presence in the locker room turns every decision into something personal. Now, with Javier Mascherano on the ropes, the time has come to make a move.
The current Inter Miami coach has already hinted at his departure. Mascherano's latest statements leave no room for doubt: "What comes next will be something different." Messi, who's not unaware of what's happening in the offices, has already put forward his candidate.
He's not just anyone. He's not a stranger. He's the friend who's been his teammate in a thousand battles.
The very one who made him shine in the most glorious Barça in history: Xavi Hernández.
Mascherano leaves, Messi doesn't want experiments
At Inter, they're already certain Mascherano will leave at the end of the season. He hasn't achieved the objectives, and his coaching profile hasn't convinced either the players or the sporting management. The club is now looking for a stronger, more high-profile... and closer to the '10' profile.
Messi is clear that he needs someone he fully trusts for what could be his last stage as a professional footballer. The idea of repeating the Barça connection appeals to him, and his bet is Xavi.
He's not alone, either: Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, and Sergio Busquets support the initiative. Although Xavi convinced the latter two to leave Barça.
Xavi, without a bench and eager
Since he left the FC Barcelona bench, Xavi Hernández hasn't received offers that appeal to him. He turned down offers from Arabia, didn't want anything to do with Chinese soccer, and the rumors about the Spanish national team faded quickly.
His family still lives in Barcelona, but Xavi wants to coach. If it's alongside Messi, even better. In Miami, soccer is lived at a different pace.
Without European pressure and with a tailor-made project, the Catalan coach could reconnect with his soccer and his people.
The most logical... and most emotional option
Messi's proposal isn't just sentimental. At the club, they see it as an opportunity to relaunch the project with a recognizable, high-profile face with experience at elite clubs. David Beckham also welcomes the arrival of a coach like Xavi, who could connect with the young players and keep the philosophy Inter aims to establish.
Talks aren't underway yet, but Messi has already put his proposal on the table. Meanwhile, Mascherano is already packing his bags. Xavi waits.