- Martino believed to have stepped down as Inter Miami head coach
- Decision comes after shock playoff defeat to Atlanta United
- Former Barcelona manager Xavi linked with surprise move
Xavi has been tipped to sensationally reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami amid reports that current manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino is to leave the club.
Martino joined Miami in the summer of 2023 and won both the 2023 Leagues Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield, as well as leading his star-studded team to a Major League Soccer record of 74 points in this latest regular season.
However, despite boasting a star-studded squad which includes the likes of Messi and Luis Suarez, Miami were surprisingly dumped out of the playoffs in the first round at the hands of Atlanta United.
ESPN report that former Argentina and Barcelona manager Martino has since offered his resignation despite having another year left on his contract, citing personal reasons. His departure could be formalised in a press conference called on Friday.
Miami are now on the hunt for a new manager and numerous reports, including from Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo, have tipped former Barcelona boss Xavi to make the move to Chase Stadium.
It is no secret that Miami boast strong ties to Barcelona. Alongside Messi and Suarez, the squad also boasts Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, while club general manager Xavier Asensi joined from the Catalan giants in 2021.
SPORT report that Xavi is aware of the rumours but has no interest in taking the Miami job, instead prioritising a spell away from management to recharge after a tumultuous spell at Camp Nou.
When he does eventually return to work, Xavi's current priority is said to joining another major European side rather than switching to MLS.
