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

Inter Miami has undergone a significant front office restructuring, appointing Guillermo Hoyos, a close ally of Lionel Messi, to oversee first-team sporting decisions. This change follows the reassignment of Raul Sanllehi, the club’s former president of football operations, amid reports of tension between him and Messi during a preseason trip.

Key Takeaways

• Guillermo Hoyos, known as Messi’s "footballing dad," is now in charge of sporting decisions at Inter Miami.
• Raul Sanllehi has been reassigned to focus on institutional relations after a reported incident with Messi.
• The reshuffle is part of a broader shakeup within the club’s management.

The Restructuring of Inter Miami’s Front Office

Inter Miami CF has made headlines with its recent front office changes, which have stirred speculation and interest among soccer fans. The club has appointed Guillermo Hoyos, who has a long-standing relationship with Messi, to take over the responsibilities previously held by Raul Sanllehi.

Sanllehi, who was brought in last summer to lead the club’s sporting operations, has been moved to a role focused on institutional relations. This decision comes shortly after a reported verbal exchange between him and Messi during a preseason match against Club America in Las Vegas. Sources indicate that the disagreement arose when Sanllehi boarded a bus reserved for players and coaches, leading to a tense moment with Messi.

Guillermo Hoyos: Messi’s Trusted Ally

Hoyos is not just any coach; he is often referred to as Messi’s "footballing dad." Their relationship dates back to their time together at Barcelona’s academy, where Hoyos played a crucial role in Messi’s development. Messi has publicly credited Hoyos for his mentorship, stating that he has been instrumental in shaping his career.

Hoyos joined Inter Miami as the academy director of methodology in 2023 and has now stepped into a more prominent role overseeing first-team operations. His appointment is seen as a strategic move to align the club’s sporting goals closely with Messi’s vision.

Implications of the Front Office Changes

The reshuffle at Inter Miami is part of a broader trend of instability within the club’s management. Since Sanllehi’s arrival, several key figures have left, including sporting director Chris Henderson and scouting director Mark Prizant. This has left the front office in a state of flux, raising questions about the club’s direction as it prepares for the upcoming season.

Sanllehi’s reassignment has been characterized by the club as a planned move, coinciding with the closing of the transfer window and upcoming events like the Club World Cup. However, the timing has led to skepticism among fans and analysts, who wonder if the recent incident with Messi played a role in the decision.

Looking Ahead

As Inter Miami embarks on its preseason tour across Central and South America, all eyes will be on Hoyos and how his leadership will influence the team’s performance. With Messi’s close involvement in the club’s operations, the upcoming season promises to be an intriguing one for fans and players alike.

The changes in the front office reflect a significant shift in the club’s strategy, aiming to create a more cohesive environment that aligns with Messi’s expectations and aspirations. As the team prepares for a challenging season ahead, the impact of these changes will be closely monitored by the soccer community.

Sources

• Lionel Messi’s ‘footballing dad’ takes charge amid Inter Miami front office shakeup, Sporting News.
• Lionel Messi bus incident leads to reassigned role for Inter Miami executive – World Soccer Talk, World Soccer Talk.
• Lionel Messi ally takes over sporting decisions in Inter Miami shake-up: Sources – The Athletic, The New York Times.
• Lionel Messi’s ‘Footballing Dad’ Replaces Inter Miami Executive Overseeing Sporting Decisions, RochesterFirst.