Gerardo “Tata” Martino, a seasoned tactician and former head coach of Inter Miami CF, has decided to part ways with the club, sources reveal.
Despite having a year left on his contract, the Argentine coach has opted to leave for personal reasons.
Martino, alongside co-owner Jorge Mas and football operations president Raúl Sanllehi, will formally address the media in a farewell press conference on Friday, November 22.
This development comes mere weeks after Inter Miami’s early exit from the MLS playoffs, where they fell to Atlanta United FC in the first round of the best-of-three series.
The decision marks the end of a transformative era for the club under Martino’s leadership.
A Transformative Tenure at Inter Miami
Martino joined Inter Miami in June 2023, succeeding Phil Neville in a move that signaled the club’s ambitions to become a dominant force in Major League Soccer (MLS). Over his 18-month tenure, he reshaped the team, guiding them to multiple milestones:
Leagues Cup Victory (2023): Martino secured Inter Miami’s first major silverware in the 2023 Leagues Cup.
Record-Breaking 2024 Season: Under his leadership, Inter Miami captured the 2024 Supporters’ Shield and set an MLS record for the most points in a single season, amassing 74 points with a 22-4-8 record.
Historic Regular-Season Performance: The team achieved an impressive .765 winning percentage and matched the league record for the fewest losses in a regular season (4).
These achievements came despite challenges, including Lionel Messi’s absence for a significant portion of the season due to injuries and international commitments.
Also See: Messi Inter Miami Set to Join 2025 FIFA Club World Cup: A New Era For MLS
Mixed Fortunes on the International Stage
While Martino’s domestic achievements were stellar, Inter Miami faced challenges in international tournaments.
The team bowed out in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup, losing to Monterrey, and exited the 2024 Leagues Cup in the round of 16. Nevertheless, his tenure will be remembered as one of unprecedented success for the Florida-based club.
Star-Studded Collaboration
Martino’s arrival was part of a broader strategy to elevate Inter Miami’s global stature. His tenure coincided with high-profile signings, including Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez.
These marquee additions transformed Inter Miami into a team that captured worldwide attention, both on and off the pitch.
A Legacy of Excellence
This isn’t Martino’s first success story in MLS. He previously led Atlanta United to an MLS championship in 2018, earning the league’s Coach of the Year accolade.
His return to MLS with Inter Miami further solidified his reputation as one of the league’s most accomplished coaches.
David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, expressed heartfelt gratitude during a post-season ceremony:
“I want to say to our coach, Tata: thank you very much for an incredible season. Thank you to your staff … gracias.”
What’s Next for Inter Miami?
Martino’s departure leaves Inter Miami facing a busy 2025 under new leadership.
The team will likely embark on another international preseason tour and compete in the 34-match MLS schedule. Additionally, Inter Miami is set to participate in the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup in June, a testament to their growing prominence.
The search for Martino’s successor will undoubtedly be pivotal for maintaining the momentum the team achieved under his guidance.
Whoever steps into his shoes will inherit a club that has reached new heights and carries the weight of great expectations.
