**Inter Miami Coach Tata Martino Steps Down, Sparking Search for Successor**

Inter Miami head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has stepped down from his role due to personal reasons, according to multiple sources. Martino, who is 61 years old, led Miami to an impressive 74-point regular season, securing a Supporters' Shield title. Despite this success, the season ended in disappointment with Miami and Lionel Messi being eliminated by Atlanta United in the quarterfinals of the MLS playoffs.

Martino took charge of Miami in the summer of 2023 after a nearly four-year tenure with the Mexican national team. His return to the MLS was highly anticipated, having previously led Atlanta United to an MLS Cup title in 2018. Martino was seen as the ideal figure to guide Messi and his former Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the American league. The addition of Luis Suarez this summer further boosted Miami, propelling the team to the top of the league standings.

Despite a first-round exit at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar with Mexico, Martino's stature within the MLS remained strong. He continues to be regarded as one of the league's most significant hires. "MLS is my weakness," Martino stated in an April 2023 interview with The Athletic. He described his previous MLS experience with Atlanta United as an appealing project with clear direction and objectives.

Following Miami's unexpected defeat to Atlanta on November 9, speculation arose about Martino's job security. However, he downplayed these concerns, highlighting that Miami's achievements in 2024 were the most significant in the club's history.

With Martino's departure, Miami and Messi are now on the hunt for a new manager. Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez stands out as a potential candidate, given the club's strong connections to Barcelona's legacy.