Inter Miami’s Front Office Overhaul: Messi’s Mentor Takes Charge

Inter Miami CF has undergone a significant front office shake-up, with Guillermo Hoyos, a long-time confidant of Lionel Messi, stepping into the role of overseeing first-team sporting decisions. This change comes after the reassignment of Raúl Sanllehí, the club’s president of football operations, to focus on institutional relations. The move has raised eyebrows, particularly following a reported confrontation between Sanllehí and Messi during a recent preseason trip.

Key Takeaways

• Guillermo Hoyos, known as Messi’s "footballing dad," is now in charge of sporting decisions.
• Raúl Sanllehí has been reassigned to oversee institutional relations, away from the first-team facility.
• The shake-up follows an incident involving Messi and Sanllehí during a team bus ride.
• Hoyos has a long history with Messi, having coached him at Barcelona’s academy.
• This change reflects Messi’s growing influence in the club’s operations.

The Shake-Up Explained

Inter Miami’s decision to promote Guillermo Hoyos comes at a crucial time as the club prepares for the upcoming MLS season. Sanllehí’s reassignment was officially described as a pre-planned move, coinciding with the closing of the transfer window and the team’s participation in various international competitions, including the Club World Cup.

However, reports suggest that tensions between Sanllehí and Messi may have contributed to the timing of this decision. During a preseason match against Club America in Las Vegas, Sanllehí reportedly entered a bus designated for players and coaches, leading to a heated exchange with Messi. This incident has fueled speculation about the dynamics within the club’s leadership.

Hoyos: Messi’s Trusted Ally

Guillermo Hoyos has been a pivotal figure in Messi’s career, often referred to as his "footballing dad." Their relationship dates back to when Hoyos coached Messi at Barcelona’s youth academy. Messi has publicly credited Hoyos for his development as a player, stating that he has been instrumental in shaping his career.

Hoyos joined Inter Miami as the academy director of methodology shortly after Messi’s arrival at the club. His promotion to oversee first-team operations signifies a shift towards a more player-centric approach, aligning closely with Messi’s vision for the team.

Implications for Inter Miami

The reshuffle in the front office is part of a broader strategy to enhance the club’s performance and stability. Since Sanllehí’s arrival last summer, several key figures have departed, including sporting director Chris Henderson and director of scouting Mark Prizant. This has left the club’s front office in a state of flux, necessitating a strong leadership presence.

Hoyos’ appointment is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the team’s sporting decisions, especially as the club looks to strengthen its roster ahead of the new season. With the January transfer window closing soon, Hoyos will need to act quickly to secure new talent, as Inter Miami has been linked with high-profile players like Kevin De Bruyne and Neymar.

Conclusion

As Inter Miami navigates this significant transition, all eyes will be on Guillermo Hoyos to see how his leadership influences the team’s direction. With Messi’s backing and a strong connection to the club’s star player, Hoyos’ role could be pivotal in shaping the future of Inter Miami CF as they aim for success in the MLS and beyond.

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.
• Inter Miami’s Raúl Sanllehí replaced by Lionel Messi ally – sources – ESPN, ESPN.
• Lionel Messi ally takes over sporting decisions in Inter Miami shake-up: Sources – The Athletic, The New York Times.
• Inter Miami Makes Major Front Office Decision After Messi Incident – Athlon Sports, Athlon Sports.