Messi’s former coach returns to MLS, set to face Inter Miami in 2026

A former coach who led Lionel Messi at Inter Miami is back in MLS and will go up against his old club.

Lionel Messi aims to guide Inter Miami to their first MLS Cup title as his team faces Nashville in the decisive match this weekend, November 9 (Vietnam time). Ahead of this crucial encounter, the Argentine superstar has learned that next season he will reunite with a coach who previously managed him both at Barcelona and Inter Miami.

Specifically, Atlanta United announced the appointment of Gerardo Martino as head coach, signing him through the end of the 2027 MLS season.

This marks Martino’s second tenure with Atlanta United; he was the club’s inaugural head coach. During his first term, the Argentine tactician oversaw 68 matches, leading the team to its first playoff appearance and winning the 2018 MLS Cup.

“I want to thank Arthur and Chris for the chance to return to the club and the city where we have many fond memories, and to continue the great relationship,” Martino said in Atlanta United’s statement. “This project is different from my first tenure, but with the support of the management, cooperation from players, staff, and everyone involved, our goal remains to build a winning team that makes fans proud and feel truly represented every time they visit Mercedes-Benz Stadium,” he added.

Under Martino’s leadership, Atlanta United set numerous records: 124 points, 140 goals, and a +56 goal difference over two seasons. They also became only the second team in MLS history to score over 70 goals in consecutive seasons. This success earned Martino the 2018 MLS Coach of the Year award.

After coaching the Mexico national team, Martino was hired by Inter Miami in 2023 to coach Lionel Messi again, having previously worked with him at Barcelona and the Argentina national team.

Martino led Inter Miami to win the club’s first two trophies: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters’ Shield, while setting records for most points in a single MLS season with 74 and scoring 79 goals, the highest in the league.

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