Inter Miami has parted ways with head coach, Guillermo Hoyos, a key confidant of Lionel Messi, following a five-match winless streak spanning Major League Soccer and Leagues Cup competition.
Hoyos, whose bond with the Argentine icon traces back to Messi’s formative years at Barcelona, assumed the role of interim manager in April. His tenure opened impressively with six victories in his first eight fixtures, but the South Florida club experienced a significant downturn following the World Cup.
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These footballing struggles coincided with personal tragedy for Messi, who suffered the loss of his father, Jorge, shortly after Argentina’s defeat to Spain at MetLife Stadium on July 19. In a moving statement, Messi expressed profound grief over his father’s passing, leaving his long-term playing future uncertain – particularly with Hoyos, long viewed as a crucial mentor, departing the club’s touchline.
To steady the team and maintain familiar leadership, Inter Miami appointed Cristian “Kily” González as their next head coach.
Three things You need to know about Inter Miami New Head Coach
- Elite European Playing Career: Originating from Rosario, the 52-year-old began his professional playing journey with Rosario Central before moving to Boca Juniors and eventually heading to Europe. He spent notable periods at Zaragoza, Inter Milan, and Valencia – where he established himself as a high-caliber wide midfielder. During his time at Valencia under Héctor Cúper, he helped propel the team to consecutive Champions League finals and earned a spot in the 2001 UEFA Team of the Year alongside legends like Zinédine Zidane and Thierry Henry.
- Shared International History with Messi: Like Messi, González was born in Rosario and maintained ties with the superstar, including welcoming Messi and Ángel Di María back to their hometown after their 2022 World Cup triumph. Their international playing careers briefly overlapped during 2006 World Cup qualification. Across his 56 caps for Argentina, González shared the pitch with a young Messi just once – a 2–0 win over Peru in October 2005 – and was substituted for Messi during a match against Uruguay later that year.
- Coaching Record and Transition: González’s transition to management began in July 2020 with his boyhood club, Rosario Central, where he recorded his highest win rate to date at 36.76% over a nearly two-year spell. Subsequent stints included 78 matches managing Unión (25 victories) and a brief 14-game stretch with Platense that yielded only two wins. His modest record in Argentine domestic football has prompted debate over whether he can effectively steer Inter Miami through their current slump and secure a deep MLS Cup playoff run.
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