Messi’s Influence Sparks Major Changes in Inter Miami’s Front Office

Lionel Messi’s presence at Inter Miami has not only transformed the team’s on-field performance but has also led to significant changes in the club’s front office. Following a reported incident involving Messi and the club’s president of football operations, Raul Sanllehi, the organization has reassigned key roles, indicating Messi’s growing influence within the franchise.

Key Takeaways

• Lionel Messi’s impact extends beyond the pitch, affecting club management.
• Raul Sanllehi has been reassigned following a confrontation with Messi.
• Guillermo Hoyos, a close associate of Messi, has taken over Sanllehi’s previous role.
• Inter Miami is currently on a preseason tour in Latin America.

Messi’s Growing Influence

Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami in the summer of 2023 has been a game-changer for the club, both in terms of performance and organizational structure. His stature as one of the greatest footballers of all time has brought unprecedented attention to the franchise, leading to a shift in how the club operates.

Recently, an incident occurred during the team’s preseason tour in Las Vegas, where Messi reportedly had a heated exchange with Raul Sanllehi. This confrontation has resulted in Sanllehi being reassigned to a role focused on institutional relations, a move that many see as a direct response to Messi’s influence.

New Leadership Dynamics

With Sanllehi’s reassignment, Guillermo Hoyos has stepped into the role of president of football operations. Hoyos has a long-standing relationship with Messi, having coached him during his formative years at FC Barcelona. This connection is expected to foster a more harmonious environment within the club, aligning the front office’s vision with Messi’s expectations.

Preseason Developments

As Inter Miami embarks on its preseason tour, the team is looking to build chemistry and prepare for the upcoming MLS season. The club recently played a match against Club Universitario in Peru, which ended in a 0-0 draw. Despite the lack of goals, the match provided valuable experience for the players as they adapt to new strategies under head coach Javier Mascherano.

The team is set to face additional challenges in the coming weeks, including matches in Panama and Honduras, before returning to Florida for a final preseason game against Orlando City SC.

Looking Ahead

The changes in Inter Miami’s front office signal a new era for the club, one that is heavily influenced by Messi’s presence. As the team prepares for the regular season, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes impact both the club’s performance on the field and its overall direction in the competitive landscape of Major League Soccer.

With the MLS season set to kick off next month, Inter Miami’s management and players are under pressure to deliver results that match the high expectations set by Messi’s arrival. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining how well the team can integrate its new leadership structure and capitalize on the star power of its roster.

Sources

• Match Time Change: Charlotte FC at Inter Miami on March 9 – OurSports Central, OurSports Central.
• Inter Miami 0-0 Universitario: Player Ratings as Herons Draw Consecutive Preseason Games, WSYR.
• Where to watch Lionel Messi Inter Miami vs. Universitario: Live stream, start time, how to watch – CBSSports.com, CBS Sports.
• Lionel Messi exchange results in Inter Miami exec’s reassigned role, New York Post.