Inter Miami appoints Messi's Godfather

In a significant shake-up within its leadership, Inter Miami CF has appointed Ángel Guillermo Hoyos as the club’s new President of Football Operations, replacing Raúl Sanllehí. The decision follows an incident involving Lionel Messi and Sanllehí, leading to the latter’s reassignment to a different role within the club. While no official statement has been made regarding the specifics of this change, reports indicate that the restructuring aims to enhance football operations and create a more cohesive team environment.

The appointment of Hoyos is particularly noteworthy because of his long-standing relationship with Messi. The Argentine coach played a crucial role in Messi’s early development at FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy, earning the title of Messi’s ‘footballing godfather’. With this decision, Inter Miami signals a strong commitment to ensuring that its biggest star is comfortable and well-supported, both on and off the pitch.

The restructuring at Inter Miami follows a reported incident between Messi and Sanllehí after an exhibition match in Las Vegas. According to sources, Sanllehí mistakenly boarded a team bus designated solely for players and coaching staff. Messi, who has always been protective of team dynamics, reportedly confronted him about it. While the details of the exchange remain unclear, the situation led to Sanllehí being reassigned to a different role, focusing on institutional relations at the club’s Coral Gables office.

Sanllehí, a respected football administrator with experience at Barcelona and Arsenal, has been an influential figure in football operations. However, this incident, combined with other possible internal factors, seems to have prompted Inter Miami’s decision to make a leadership change.

Messi’s influence at Inter Miami is undeniable. Since his arrival, the club has made a series of strategic moves to build a structure around him that enhances both performance and comfort. The decision to bring in Hoyos, someone Messi has known and trusted for decades, reinforces this approach.

For many football fans, Guillermo Hoyos may not be a household name, but within football circles, he is highly respected for his tactical knowledge, youth development expertise, and deep understanding of the game.

Hoyos first gained prominence as a coach at FC Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, where he worked with Barcelona B for four years. During this time, he played a crucial role in shaping the careers of several future footballing stars, including Lionel Messi, Gerard Piqué, Sergio Busquets and others.

Messi has often spoken about Hoyos’ influence on his development, acknowledging how the Argentine coach helped him refine his game at a young age. In a 2010 interview, Messi referred to him as his "footballing godfather," highlighting the profound impact Hoyos had on his career.

Hoyos has built a coaching career that spans multiple countries and football cultures. After his time at Barcelona B, he went on to coach clubs and national teams across Spain, Greece, Bolivia, Mexico, and Argentina.

One of his most notable tenures was with Aris Thessaloniki in Greece, where he implemented an attacking, possession-based style of play. His philosophy sticks to technical precision, tactical intelligence, and youth development, making him an ideal fit for clubs looking to build sustainable success.

His coaching stints include Bolivia National Team, Atlas FC (Mexico), Talleres de Córdoba (Argentina), etc.

Hoyos’ coaching philosophy aligns well with Inter Miami’s vision of building a competitive and sustainable team. His emphasis on youth development and attacking football is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the club’s football operations.

Hoyos’ appointment is expected to bring stability and a renewed focus on football operations at Inter Miami. His deep understanding of Messi’s playing style and his long history of mentoring young talents make him a valuable asset for the club’s future.

One of the biggest challenges Inter Miami has faced is finding a balance between star power and squad cohesion. With Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and now Luis Suárez in the squad, the team has a strong core of former Barcelona legends. Hoyos’ experience with these players at different stages of their careers makes him well-equipped to ensure that their influence translates into on-field success.

Beyond Messi, Hoyos is also expected to play a key role in developing young players at the club, ensuring that Inter Miami has a pipeline of emerging talent to sustain long-term success.

While there is no official confirmation that Messi directly influenced Hoyos’ appointment, football analysts believe his relationship with the Argentine coach played a significant role in the decision.

Messi has always thrived in environments where he feels supported and understood. His years at Barcelona were characterized by a close-knit squad and strong leadership figures like Pep Guardiola, Xavi, and Luis Enrique. Inter Miami appears to be replicating this model by surrounding Messi with familiar faces who understand his style of play and mentality.

With Javier Mascherano as the new head coach and Hoyos overseeing football operations, Inter Miami has built a leadership team that aligns with Messi’s playing philosophy. This level of continuity could be crucial in maintaining Messi’s motivation and performance in all competitions.

Inter Miami is currently preparing for the 2025 MLS season along with the CONCACAF Champions Cup and the inaugural edition of the newly formatted FIFA Club World Cup with an ambitious preseason tour that includes matches in Lima, Panama, and Honduras. These games will serve as key tests for the squad before their highly anticipated CONCACAF Champions Cup First round match against Sporting KC and MLS season opener against New York City FC.

The decision to bring in Hoyos suggests that Inter Miami is thinking beyond just Messi’s tenure. While his presence in MLS is a massive boost for the league, the club is clearly investing in a sustainable footballing philosophy that will last beyond Messi’s playing years.

The appointment of Guillermo Hoyos as President of Football Operations represents a major strategic move for Inter Miami. His deep connection with Messi, extensive coaching experience, and youth development expertise make him an ideal fit for the club’s ambitions.

This leadership change also reinforces Inter Miami’s commitment to creating an environment that maximizes Messi’s influence and performance. The upcoming season will be a true test of how well this new structure translates into success, but one thing is certain—Inter Miami is taking bold steps to build a club that can compete at the highest level of MLS and beyond.

With Hoyos, Javier Mascherano, and Messi working together, Inter Miami is poised to become a dominant force in North American football. Fans will be eager to see how this new leadership dynamic works as Inter Miami moves ahead in this crucial season.

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