Hoyos joins Inter Miami, on Messi: «Friendship isn't negotiable» | OneFootball

Guillermo Hoyos was introduced as Inter Miami’s new head coach and, in his first press conference, he put the spotlight on his relationship with Lionel Messi. The Argentine manager, who replaces Javier Mascherano, spoke about his bond with the captain and made it clear that coaching him is “a blessing,” though also a huge responsibility.

Hoyos, who has known Messi since Barcelona’s youth ranks, did not avoid the main topic and explained how he handles that personal connection inside the locker room. “Friendship is non-negotiable,” he said, though he immediately set boundaries: “That doesn’t mean we can be on top of him every day. You have to respect his privacy and be prudent.” In the same vein, he described what it means to have the Rosario-born star on the team: “Being with the best player in history is something extraordinary. I’m very grateful.”

Beyond the emotional bond, the coach offered a footballing definition that reflects his stance: “Having the best player in history means you have to go out and win on every field. It’s a way of living more than of playing.” A clear message about the ambition he wants to instill in a team that already has major stars.

As for Mascherano’s departure, Hoyos avoided controversy and chose recognition instead. “Those are personal decisions. Masche gave a lot, left us a title, and earned great respect for his work,” he said, valuing the previous spell before turning his focus to his own project.

Regarding his playing philosophy, the new coach stressed that there will be no clean slate: “No one starts from zero. There is a history to respect.” From there, he laid out the pillars of his tenure: intensity, possession, and collective growth. “It’s a wonderful squad. We’re going to try to strengthen what already exists,” he explained, with a clear influence from the Barcelona style that shaped his development.

Finally, he left a phrase that sums up his view of the club: “Today, Inter Miami is among the best teams in the world.” With Messi as the standard-bearer and a relationship that blends closeness and respect, Hoyos begins a new chapter with a demand as clear as it is unavoidable: to win.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.