New Inter Miami CF head coach Javier Mascherano said leading former Barcelona teammates will work to his advantage as he takes on his first professional managerial position.

Mascherano will reunite with Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Lionel Messi for the first time since 2018, when the five played for the LaLiga giants. Though the roles have since evolved, the Argentine insists the relationship with each player will help Inter Miami succeed.

“We must remember that it is not that we’re making that change [from teammate to coach] right now, a lot of water has passed under the bridge,” Mascherano told ESPN. “I left Barcelona in 2018, and a lot has changed. We are grown-up people, we know how to differentiate things.

“I think life is easier when we do things naturally, and not force situations. I take it as an advantage to be able to know each other, to have had them as teammates and obviously to have great players like them now.”

Though Mascherano arrives at Inter Miami with limited coaching experience — he oversaw the Argentina U23 side from 2022-24 — and knowledge of the league, the new head coach is no stranger to the Herons. Co-owner Jorge Mas said the team tried to sign Mascherano in 2019 on a contract that allowed him to become one of the club’s first Designated Players before transitioning into a coach.

Though the initial deal fell through, he now returns to lead Miami five years later.

“I always thought he would be an amazing mentor. Five years later, he’s here. It’s fate,” said Mas.

Mascherano accepted the role after receiving a phone call from Mas, just days after the coaching search began. The Argentine manager revealed he didn’t give the decision much thought, knowing it was an important step to take.

Above all it was very fast and very intense because I received a message from Jorge where he wanted to talk to me, we went to a five-minute talk where he intended to have a meeting, then the next day we had a meeting via Zoom and the next day we were already reaching an agreement or reaching an agreement so that I am the new coach,” he said.

Once given the role, Mascherano spoke with Messi and got to work.

“I had a talk with Leo to get his opinion,” Mascherano added. “I am lucky to have a very fluid relationship with him and that allows me to be sincere and be able to talk to him in depth and for him to be honest with me about what he thought.

“He is a person who does not usually get involved too much. Obviously, we know the influence and importance that Leo has, and has had throughout his career in all teams and clubs. I am very happy to be here and look forward to starting training.”

The team will commence the pre-season in January and kick off the 2025 MLS campaign in late February.

In related Miami news, Messi and Alba represented the Supporters’ Shield winners on the 2024 MLS Best XI announced Tuesday.

The Best XI is voted on by media members, MLS players and club technical staffs. The 2024 squad includes players from eight countries and nine teams and features seven first-time honorees.

Information from Reuters was used in this report.

The Miami Heat (9-10) get crushed against the Boston Celtics (17-4) 108-89.

Here’s a look at four major takeaways from the matchup:

1. Bam Adebayo has hit rock bottom offensively.

The good news is Adebayo cannot get much worse than how he plays now. He finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, and five assists on 33.3 percent shooting and 25 percent from three-point range. Not only is his three-point shooting abysmal up to this point, but he has regressed in his mid-range shots and in the paint. There were numerous missed layups today, which Adebayo from previous seasons would have made.

2. Terry Rozier reverted to playing below expectations again.

Rozier should never play passively in a game where Jimmy Butler is inactive. Rozier finished with four points, three rebounds, and one assist on 33.3 percent shooting and missed both of his three-point attempts. The Miami Heat offense was already struggling before he checked in. However, it is inexcusable when Dru Smith firmly outplays him on both ends of the court.

3. Jaime Jaquez Jr. stepped up in Butler’s absence.

Jaquez may not have had the most efficient night on the team, but he was undoubtedly one of the main contributors to the Heat in their blowout defeat. He finished with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and three assists on 35.7 percent shooting and missed all three-point attempts. Jaquez played similarly to Butler as he got to the free-throw line for 12 attempts.

4. Duncan Robinson struggled with his shooting again.

Robinson finished with five points, three rebounds, and three assists on 22.2 percent shooting and missed all three-point attempts. He was playing so badly Erik Spoelstra decided to have Smith start the second half in his place. It has been three straight games where Robinson has shot under 40 percent and under 30 percent from three. They are 1-2 in this stretch. He was on the injury report this week, dealing with a glute issue. The Heat cannot continue this high three-point attempt strategy if their best shooter struggles and still hope for success. Robinson needs to shoot better.

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.