Lionel Messi embarks on a new chapter at Inter Miami, with Javier Morales in charge as head coach to guide his MLS debut season.
Messi arrived in the United States under the stewardship of Morales at Inter Miami, joining a list of legendary managers who have mentored players of his caliber. The Argentine star has trained under a who’s-who of coaches, a roster that includes Pep Guardiola, José Néstor Pekerman, Diego Maradona, Gerardo Martino, Luis Enrique, Frank Rijkaard, Ronald Koeman, Lionel Scaloni, Quique Setién, Tito Vilanova, and other renowned figures. Morales now carries the responsibility of shaping Messi’s adaptation to MLS and helping the team maximize its potential on the field.
As the interim head coach, Morales faces a moment of heightened scrutiny. While his tenure may be temporary, his approach could influence whether Inter Miami secures a more high-profile managerial appointment down the line. The dynamic in MLS often sees clubs balancing continuity with the ambition to attract elite coaching talents, and Morales’s performance with Messi will be a critical factor in that equation.
WHO IS JAVIER MORALES?
Javier Morales is a 43-year-old coach building his first-team credentials at the top level. Before taking on the role of interim manager at Inter Miami, he led the club’s youth teams from 2019 to May 2023. He briefly held a similar youth-focused position with Dallas FC from November 2018 to February 2019, laying groundwork for his later responsibilities in North American soccer.
Morales’s playing career began in 1998 with Lanús in Argentina and concluded in 2017 with Dallas FC in the United States. Along the way, he spent time with clubs in Argentina such as Arsenal de Sarandí and Newell’s Old Boys, and he also had a stint in Spain with UD neighborhoods. His MLS journey included a spell with Real Salt Lake, where he contributed as a player and later left a mark on the club’s culture. Notably, he earned an MLS Cup victory with Real Salt Lake in 2009, a highlight that informs his coaching perspective and understands the demands of American soccer.”
Source: Goal