Lionel Messi is getting a new head coach in Miami.

Inter Miami has officially reached an agreement with former Argentine international Cristian “Kily” González to become the club’s new head coach as the defending MLS Cup champions attempt to turn around a difficult stretch of the season.

The 52-year-old Argentine will take over from Guillermo Hoyos once he receives the necessary U.S. work permits.

Until then, Hoyos will remain temporarily in charge of the team.

Messi Reunites With a Former Argentina Teammate

The appointment creates an interesting reunion for Messi.

González and Messi were briefly teammates with Argentina in 2005, appearing together during World Cup qualifying matches against Peru and Uruguay.

Both players also share deep roots in Rosario, Argentina.

González began his professional career with Rosario Central before moving to Europe, where he played for clubs including Valencia, Zaragoza and Inter Milan.

He earned 56 appearances for Argentina between 1995 and 2005 before eventually moving into coaching.

His managerial career began in 2020 and has included spells with Rosario Central, Unión de Santa Fe and Platense in Argentina.

Now he takes on easily the most internationally visible coaching job of his career.

Inter Miami Needs a Turnaround

González arrives at an important moment.

Despite having one of the most star-studded rosters in Major League Soccer, Inter Miami has recently struggled for results.

The club enters the coaching transition on a five-match winless streak across all competitions, with four losses and one draw.

Miami also sits 10 points behind Eastern Conference leader Nashville.

Expectations remain enormous.

The defending MLS Cup champions have a roster led by Messi alongside major international names including Brazilian midfielder Casemiro.

Anything short of competing for another championship would be viewed as a disappointment.

Another Coaching Change in the Messi Era

Inter Miami’s coaching situation has changed considerably since Messi arrived in South Florida in 2023.

Gerardo “Tata” Martino coached Messi during his first two seasons in Miami before leaving after the 2024 campaign.

Former Argentina teammate Javier Mascherano then took over before resigning in April 2026.

Hoyos initially stepped in as interim coach following Mascherano’s departure and enjoyed an impressive start, collecting 19 of a possible 24 points during his first eight matches.

Results have since cooled considerably, opening the door for another change.

Inter Miami thanked Hoyos for taking control of the club during the transitional period.

A Huge Opportunity for Kily González

González inherits something few coaches ever receive: the opportunity to manage Lionel Messi.

But he also inherits the pressure that comes with it.

Inter Miami is no longer simply another MLS club.

Messi’s arrival transformed the organization into one of the most watched soccer teams in North America, and the addition of more international stars has only increased expectations.

González will be expected to stabilize the team, get Miami winning again and put the defending champions in position for another deep playoff run.

And for Messi, it means another familiar Argentine face will soon be standing on the touchline.