Major League Soccer’s Exciting Transfer Season: Key Acquisitions and Changes 
Inter Miami CF has undergone a significant restructuring in its front office, appointing Guillermo Hoyos, a long-time confidant of Lionel Messi, to oversee first-team sporting decisions. This shake-up comes as Raul Sanllehi, the previous president of football operations, has been reassigned to focus on institutional relations, marking a pivotal moment for the club as it prepares for a busy season ahead.
Key Takeaways
- Guillermo Hoyos, known as Messi’s "footballing dad," takes charge of first-team operations.
- Raul Sanllehi has been moved to oversee institutional relations, away from the first-team facility.
- Tensions reportedly arose between Sanllehi and Messi during a preseason trip.
- The front office has seen several departures since Sanllehi’s arrival last summer.
The New Leadership Structure
The recent changes at Inter Miami reflect a broader strategy to align the club’s operations more closely with its star player, Lionel Messi. Hoyos, who has a deep-rooted relationship with Messi dating back to their time at FC Barcelona, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team’s sporting decisions.
- Guillermo Hoyos: Former academy director of methodology, now in charge of first-team sporting decisions.
- Raul Sanllehi: Previously led the sporting department; now focuses on institutional relations.
Background on Guillermo Hoyos
Hoyos has been a pivotal figure in Messi’s career, often referred to as his "footballing dad." Their relationship began when Hoyos coached Messi at Barcelona’s youth academy, and it has flourished ever since. Messi has credited Hoyos with significantly influencing his development as a player.
- Key Achievements: Hoyos has coached in various countries, including Greece, Colombia, and Argentina, before joining Inter Miami.
- Messi’s Praise: In a 2010 interview, Messi expressed gratitude for Hoyos’ mentorship, stating, "He’s helped me a lot since I came to Barça."
The Tension with Raul Sanllehi
The transition has not been without controversy. Reports indicate that a heated exchange occurred between Sanllehi and Messi during a preseason match in Las Vegas, where Sanllehi entered a bus designated for players and coaches only. This incident has raised questions about the dynamics within the club’s leadership.
- Sanllehi’s New Role: He will now handle off-field responsibilities, including preparations for the Club World Cup and other institutional matters.
- Departures: Since Sanllehi’s arrival, several key figures, including sporting director Chris Henderson and scouting director Mark Prizant, have left the club.
Looking Ahead
As Inter Miami gears up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Hoyos to see how his leadership influences the team’s performance. With Messi’s close involvement in the club’s operations, the hope is that this new structure will lead to greater success on the field.
- Coaching Staff: The team is now coached by Javier Mascherano, another former teammate of Messi, further solidifying the connection between the club’s leadership and its star player.
- Future Goals: The club aims to build a competitive squad that can contend for titles, leveraging the experience and relationships of its key figures.
This front office shake-up at Inter Miami marks a new chapter for the club, one that seeks to harness the talents of its players and the influence of its leadership to achieve greater heights in Major League Soccer.
Sources
- Inter Miami shakes up front office: Messi’s "football godfather" Hoyos in charge, GiveMeSport.
- Lionel Messi’s ‘footballing dad’ takes charge amid Inter Miami front office shakeup, Sporting News.
- Lionel Messi ally takes over sporting decisions in Inter Miami shake-up: Sources – The Athletic, The New York Times.
