Former Barcelona head coach Xavi has been linked with a sensational reunion with former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi at Inter Miami, following reports that current manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino is set to leave the club, Soccernet.football reports.
Inter Miami boss Martino, who joined the club in the summer of 2023, enjoyed considerable success, winning the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, while guiding his team to an MLS record of 74 points in the regular season.
However, despite having a star-studded squad featuring Messi and Luis Suarez, Miami suffered a shocking first-round playoff exit against Atlanta United.
According to ESPN, Martino has since offered his resignation, citing personal reasons, even though he has a year remaining on his contract. His departure could be officially announced during a press conference scheduled for Friday.
Inter Miami are now searching for a new manager, with reports from a number of news outlets, including Mundo Deportivo, suggesting former Blaugrana boss Xavi as a potential candidate to take over the Inter Miami dugout.
Miami has strong connections to Barcelona, with players like Messi, Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, currently plying their trades in the MLS club as well as general manager Xavier Asensi, who joined from the Spanish giants back in 2021.
Despite the speculation, SPORT reports that Xavi is aware of the rumors but has no interest in the Miami role. He reportedly plans to take a break from management to recharge after a challenging tenure at Camp Nou.
When he eventually returns, Xavi’s priority is said to be managing another major European club rather than making the switch to MLS.