Interim manager denies Messi influence on Miami coaching decision
ESPN Soccer • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 3:06 PM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026

Guillermo Hoyos, the interim manager for Inter Miami, clarified that Lionel Messi did not handpick Cristian 'Kily' González as the team's new coach. Hoyos emphasized that the decision to appoint González was made by the club, not as a direct result of Messi's input. This statement comes amid speculation regarding the team's management following Messi's high-profile arrival. The coaching change reflects Miami's efforts to stabilize after a challenging period.
- •Hoyos confirmed the coaching change was a club decision.
- •There was speculation about Messi's involvement in the selection.
- •Cristian 'Kily' González is the new coach for Inter Miami.
- •Inter Miami is in transition following recent challenges.
- •Hoyos is currently serving as the interim manager.
- 3:59 PMESPN Soccer — Hoyos denies Miami coach change is Messi-driven
"Inter Miami interim manager Guillermo Hoyos denied the idea that Lionel Messi personally selected the team's new coach Cristian 'Kily' González, confirming it was a club decision.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
MLS•Aug 28, 2026, 12:30 PMLionel Messi could make MLS history in 2026 as Miami star named among MVP favourites
MLS•Aug 28, 2026, 10:35 AM‘What a legend’ – Fans left stunned as Inter Miami share throwback Lionel Messi goal
MLS•Aug 28, 2026, 7:48 AMMessi handed another Argentinian as coach at Inter Miami
MLS•Aug 28, 2026, 1:32 AMStruggling Inter Miami are finalizing hire of Kily González as new head coach
MLS•Aug 27, 2026, 9:37 PMMLS suspended Inter Miami interim coach Guillermo Hoyos and it might not even matter
MLS•Aug 27, 2026, 9:00 PMInter Miami's Guillermo Hoyos suspended for Late Kickoff Policy violations
