Herons 2025: New Year's resolutions for Mascherano, Messi and Inter Miami | OneFootball

South Florida's pink-and-black clad professional football team earned an MLS-record 74 points in 2024, capturing its first Supporter's Shield and the team's second major trophy. But losing to 9th-seeded Atlanta United in the first round of the playoffs erased any joy the dominant season created. The setback -- called by former USMNT star Hercules Gomez on ESPN FC "one of the biggest failures...in North American sports in quite some time" -- preceded manager Gerardo "Tata" Martino and sporting director Chris Henderson leaving Miami.

While Messi and former Barcelona teammates Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez led Inter Miami's ascension, they're all in their mid- to late 30s and playing with limited shelf lives. Management has set expectations ridiculously high, and pressure will be on "Inter Messi" to deliver this season. Here are some unsolicited tips to help the coach, the captain and the company maximize results:

Mascherano

On the plus side, the 40-year-old club coach rookie played more than 400 professional matches at the highest levels of European and South American football; on the minus side, his managerial "career" started just two years ago, leading Argentina's U20 and U23 international teams. Mascherano played center back and defensive midfielder, but it remains to be seen whether those skills will help him dam Inter Miami's leaky defense. It's also important to note that Mascherano played with the Herons' "Barca Boys" -- a connection that may help or hinder his ability to lead Inter Miami.

Our resolution for Mascherano: Trust yourself to do what's best for the organization; that's the job. Owners as powerful and ambitious as David Beckham and the Mas brothers, a locker room loaded with legendary players, and a rabid fanbase certainly will make their expectations and advice known, but it's important that you understand their motivations -- and yours -- before committing yourself to any direction.

Messi

Soccer G.O.A.T. Lionel Messi has nothing left to prove; nothing he does in MLS will add or detract significantly from his legacy as a player. Moving forward, expect Messi to make his mark as a businessman and soccer executive. With that in mind, we offer this advice: It's always risky doing business with friends and family. We've seen Messi pulling strings to bring close friends and former teammates to South Florida, and the Argentinian World Cup hero certainly played a role in the acquisition -- and dispensation -- of Martino and hiring of Mascherano. So far, so good.

Lionel Messi is still Inter Miami's most important player. | Marcelo Endelli/GettyImages

Our resolution for Messi: Remain steadfastly committed to your love for the Beautiful Game. Don't be swayed by friendship, family connections or business opportunities. Supporters and the media are quick to link any out-of-contract superstar to Inter Miami, often because of their real relationships or tenuous links to you. Always, always ask yourself "What is best for Inter Miami and its future?"

Management

In its short history, Club Internacional de Futbol Miami has been one of Major League Soccer's most active. Beckham and the Mas brothers have demonstrated their willingness to spend money -- lots of it -- making Inter Miami the most interesting team in North America. Shoving wheelbarrows of money at big-name players and coaches may keep the Herons in the news, but it's not a blueprint for sporting success (see Paris St. Germain or Los Angeles Galaxy).

New England Revolution v Inter Miami CF | Carmen Mandato/GettyImages

Our resolution for management: Stay laser-focused on identifying and developing young talent. Sign big names ONLY as a last resort and only when they fill a positional need. Inter Miami attracted the world's attention with its bank account; management should earn the world's respect by building a successful, productive organization.