Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino has enjoyed no shortage of memorable moments with Lionel Messi over a decorated coaching career. However, the 62-year-old asserted that his latest stint at Inter Miami alongside the soccer legend stands out as his favorite of the three times the pair have worked together.
On Friday, Inter Miami announced that Martino would be departing due to personal reasons. Since joining the Herons in June of 2023, he commanded the club to a 38W-16L-13D record, additionally helping secure the franchise’s first two titles – the 2023 Leagues Cup crown and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield.
Shortly after signing with Inter Miami last year, Martino was joined by the star-studded trio of Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, with Luis Suarez following not long after. The manager had grown quite familiar with the Argentine in particular during their time together at FC Barcelona, as well as Argentina’s national team.
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Speaking to reporters on the heels of announcing his departure from Miami, Martino fondly looked back on his time with Messi over the years – arguing that the pair’s experience together on the Herons was better than the rest. “I believe it was the best work I’ve had with Messi, it was better than when we were in Barcelona and with the Argentine national team,” he said.
“Leo is in a different moment in his career, a lighter one, we lived intensely this year and a half in Miami, it was an excellent experience.”
“We were very close during this past year and a half,” he added. “Among our three stints, it was the best time we’ve spent together.”
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Gerardo Martino and Lionel Messi spent several years together at at FC Barcelona, Inter Miami and Argentina’s national team (
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In a heartfelt goodbye to Inter Miami, Martino added: “It has been an honor to work at such a special club and to lead such a special team. I’ve enjoyed my stay at Inter Miami and will treasure the memories made and relationships forged here for the rest of my life.
“I depart with nothing but gratitude for my time here and would like to offer sincere thanks to everyone who made it possible.”
An outpouring of support soon followed Martino’s announcement with many thanking him for all he did for Inter Miami. “Tata will forever have a special place in Inter Miami history,” manager owner Jorge Mas said. “He guided us through a period of transformation and brought us our first titles in the process, which is what we aspire to as an ambitious organization.
“More importantly, he led Inter Miami with the unimpeachable class and professionalism. His contributions to our club have been immense, and we thank him for that, but above all, for who he is as a human being.”
President of football operations Raul Sanllehi expressed a similar sentiment, adding: “We have been privileged to have a person of Tata’s caliber at the helm of our club, and although we wish his time here didn’t have to end, we’re deeply appreciative of everything he has given us.
“He departs with the full understanding and support of everyone at Inter Miami. This club will always remember and honor Tata’s tenure as our head coach, and the history we made together.”
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