It’s been an action-packed past few weeks, to say the least, but alas, December is upon us, and for anyone in Miami— or truly in the art world— it only means, Art Basel Miami Beach is here. From Friday, December 6 to Sunday, December 8 (by-invitation private viewings are held on Wednesday, December 4 and Thursday, December 5), the Miami Beach Convention Center will be home to 286 galleries, spanning 38 countries and territories, with a majority hailing from the Americas—from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Guatemala, Peru and Uruguay. This year will also see Romania and Indonesia represented for the first time. It is the first edition under the leadership of director Bridget Finn, which has seen the largest cohort of new exhibitors— 34— in over a decade; the rolling out a smaller booth option for galleries; and the re-location of Meridians— the show’s central sector dedicated to large scale projects that transcend the traditional art fair booth— to more fluidly connect the different sections on the show floor.

Here’s what to expect at the main fair’s sectors this year:

Galleries, the fair’s main sector, where the world’s leading galleries present the highest quality paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, photography, videos and digital works, will have 229 art dealers presenting works by 20th- century masters, contemporary blue-chip artists, mid-career practitioners and emerging talents. There are seven first-time participants this year.

There are big changes for Meridians this year— the the show’s sector dedicated to projects that transcend the traditional art fair booth. Firstly, it will be curated for the first time this year by Puerto Rican-born, Berlin-based Yasmil Raymond, former director of Portikus, and rector of the Hochschule für Bildende Künste-Städelschule in Frankfurt, and previous curator of The Museum of Modern Art in New York. Raymond succeeds Magalí Arriola, who oversaw the sector since its introduction in 2019.

Secondly, the sector will re-locate to the south end of the show floor, surrounding the Nova and Positions sectors, which are dedicated to emerging galleries and artists, to better anchor the contemporary art section of the fair.

Meridians will feature 17 projects this year, titled “State of Becoming,” which explore themes ranging from the unexpected contingencies of democracy to the growing anxiety of climate chane on a global scale.

Nova is exclusive to Art Basel Miami Beach, and provides a platform for younger galleries to present work created within the last three years by up to three artists. There will be 21 presentations from 40 artists, including nine newcomers this year.

Positions is dedicated to solo showcases of individual emerging artists— there are 15 this year, eight of which are first time participants— allowing collectors, museum professionals, curators, critics and enthusiasts the opportunity to dive deeper into their works

Survey features projects created before the year 2000 that challenge the conventional art historical canon, with a focus on elevating little-known artistic practices. Many of the presentations shed light on overlooked women artists in the 20th century.

Kabinett provides provides galleries tightly curated presentations displayed within their main booths.

There is no problem a coach would rather have in team sports than plenty of roster depth.

Alec Burks is one of the main reasons for the Miami Heat’s exceeding depth. The veteran wing has been a very welcoming addition to the roster. During this season, he’s averaging 7.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 48.6 percent shooting and 50 percent from three-point range. 

He has contributed massively to the Heat each time he’s gotten significant playing time off the bench. It has led to a 4-1 record when he plays at least 16 minutes a game. In those five games, Burks is averaging 10.6 points, three rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 56.1 percent shooting and 52.6 percent from three-point range. Whether it’s his movement without the ball to find spots for his teammates to give him easy catch-and-shoot attempts or just his elite shooting from the perimeter, Burks has displayed an essential need for this team.

Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson are the Heat’s designated and best shooters. But Burks provides that perimeter threat off the bench. With Robinson moving to the starting lineup and the best way for Bam Adebayo, Herro, Jimmy Butler, and Terry Rozier to play together is to stagger them, Burks plays his role well regardless of who is on the court. 

This cannot be said for Josh Richardson. During the season, he’s averaging four points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on 28.9 percent shooting and 27.3 percent from three-point range. He deserves the benefit of the doubt, as his struggles are primarily due to his shooting shoulder, which required surgery last season. However, with the team being 7-7 and several players outplaying him, Erik Spoelstra may need to revert his role to an emergency option. Burks received little to no playing time during several struggling Richardson games. This can no longer happen with how well Burks is playing.

Bryan Townes is a contributor to Miami Heat On SI. He can be reached at btownesjr@gmail.com or on X @bryantownesjr11. Follow our coverage on Facebook.  

Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano are together again, this time with Inter Miami.

The former Barcelona and Argentina teammates have reunited, with Inter Miami announcing Tuesday that Mascherano’s hiring as the club’s new coach is complete. The sides struck a deal late last week for Mascherano to replace Gerardo “Tata” Martino, who stepped aside for personal reasons.

Mascherano most recently was Argentina’s under-20 team and Olympic coach. He’s signed a three-year contract and will take over when his work paperwork is completed.

“This job requires somebody with the experience to be able to maximize our unique collection of talent — from our global superstars, to our burgeoning homegrown players, to our young international prospects, and everything in between,” Inter Miami managing owner Jorge Mas said. “Javier has amassed unmatched experience in his career, from playing on the world’s biggest stages, to coaching at the youth international level.”

It’s not just Messi that Mascherano is joining forces with again. Mascherano, when he was with Barcelona, also played alongside current Inter Miami standouts Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Luis Suarez — all of whom are expected back for the 2025 season.

“To be able to lead a club like Inter Miami is an honor for me, and a privilege I will strive to make the most of,” Mascherano said. “I was drawn to the organization’s undeniable ambition, and the infrastructure it has to support it. I’m looking forward to working with the people at Inter Miami to help the club reach new heights, and to give the fans more unforgettable moments.”

Mascherano, at one time, was the all-time leader for Argentina’s national team in international appearances; Messi has since broken that record. After Martino told the team he was stepping down, Messi was consulted about who he would want as the next coach — so it’s more than reasonable to think this hiring came with his blessing.

“I asked him, ‘What is important to you? And what do you think is important to get the best out of our roster and out of our 11 and how do we improve?” Mas said last week. “And Leo shared with me his thoughts. … Without a doubt, a familiarity with Leo and the other stars is an advantage in every aspect. Obviously, I want Leo to feel comfortable with the new trainer, with the new coach coming in.”

Mascherano is inheriting a team that had the best regular season in Major League Soccer history this year. Inter Miami went 22-4-8, setting league records for points (74) and winning percentage (.765). But the team fell short in the playoffs, falling to Atlanta United in a best-of-three first-round series.

Martino said he made the decision before the playoffs began that he would not be back in 2025. Like Mascherano, he had deep ties to Messi before coming to Inter Miami; Martino coached the world’s most decorated men’s player and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner with Barcelona and Argentina’s national team.

Mascherano was part of those Martino-coached teams as well.

“Throughout his career as one of the world’s best players and as an experienced coach, Javier has always demonstrated what makes him great — relentless determination with the knowledge, instincts and understanding to back it up,” Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham said. “We’re very excited to welcome him to lead our team.”

The 40-year-old Mascherano also played for five seasons in the Premier League, most of that with Liverpool. He played in the World Cup four times for Argentina — 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018.

He will face a daunting first year, one that could be Messi’s last with the club; the team hopes he will play in 2026 when it moves into its new home near Miami International Airport — but does not have Messi locked into a contract for that season.

The 2025 slate may include 50 matches or more for Inter Miami. There’s the 34-match MLS regular season, along with tournament appearances in Leagues Cup, the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. The team also has a preseason tour, though few details on that have been revealed other than a match in Tampa, Florida, in February.

Reporting by The Associated Press.

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