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

Inter Miami has undergone a significant front office shakeup, appointing Guillermo Hoyos, a long-time mentor of Lionel Messi, to oversee first-team sporting decisions. This change comes after Raul Sanllehi, the club’s previous president of football operations, was reassigned amid rumors of tension with Messi following a preseason incident.

Key Takeaways

• Guillermo Hoyos, known as Messi’s "footballing dad," is now in charge of sporting decisions at Inter Miami.
• Raul Sanllehi has been moved to focus on institutional relations after a reported altercation with Messi.
• The reshuffle is part of a broader organizational change at the club, which has seen several key departures.

The New Leadership Structure

The recent changes at Inter Miami reflect a strategic shift in the club’s management. Guillermo Hoyos, who previously served as the academy director of methodology, has been promoted to oversee first-team operations. His close relationship with Messi, dating back to their time at Barcelona, positions him as a pivotal figure in the club’s future.

Sanllehi’s reassignment comes after he was involved in a reported confrontation with Messi during a preseason trip to Las Vegas. The incident raised eyebrows, leading to speculation about the dynamics within the club. Despite the controversy, Inter Miami has stated that Sanllehi’s move was pre-planned and not a direct result of the altercation.

Hoyos: A Trusted Ally

Hoyos has been a significant influence in Messi’s career, often referred to as his "footballing dad." Messi has credited Hoyos for shaping his development as a player. This new role allows Hoyos to further influence the team’s direction, aligning closely with Messi’s vision for the club.

Hoyos has a rich coaching background, having worked across various leagues in Europe and South America. His experience and familiarity with Messi’s playing style are expected to benefit Inter Miami as they aim for success in the upcoming season.

Broader Implications for Inter Miami

The reshuffle at Inter Miami is part of a larger trend of changes within the organization. Since Sanllehi’s arrival, several key figures have left the club, including sporting director Chris Henderson and scouting director Mark Prizant. This turnover has left the front office in a state of flux, prompting the need for a strong leadership figure like Hoyos.

As the club prepares for the new season, all eyes will be on Hoyos to see how his leadership impacts the team’s performance. With the January transfer window closing soon, Hoyos will need to act quickly to strengthen the squad, especially after the departure of several key players from last season’s Supporters’ Shield-winning team.

Conclusion

The appointment of Guillermo Hoyos marks a new chapter for Inter Miami as they look to build on their recent successes. With Messi’s influence and Hoyos’ experience, the club hopes to navigate the challenges ahead and establish itself as a formidable force in Major League Soccer. As the season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes unfold.

Sources

• Lionel Messi’s ‘footballing dad’ takes charge amid Inter Miami front office shakeup, Sporting News.
• Lionel Messi’s ‘Footballing Dad’ Replaces Inter Miami Executive Overseeing Sporting Decisions, KXAN Austin.
• 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.