FORT LAUDERDALE — Inter Miami CF named 52-year-old Argentine Cristian ‘Kily’ González as head coach Thursday, handing the former international midfielder the task of managing a roster headlined by Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, Rodrigo De Paul and Casemiro.
González officially replaces his former Albiceleste teammate Javier Mascherano, who departed the club in April. Interim head coach Guillermo Hoyos will remain in charge until González and his coaching staff arrive.
González brings a half-decade of first-team managerial experience in Argentina. He began his coaching career at boyhood club Rosario Central from 2020-22, then led Unión Santa Fe from 2023-25 before his most recent stint with Club Atlético Platense during the 2025 Primera División season.
As a player, González starred for Rosario Central, Boca Juniors, Real Zaragoza, Valencia and Inter Milan. He represented Argentina at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and helped his country win gold at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.
The new head coach inherits a club that has collected three titles since Messi’s summer 2023 arrival: Leagues Cup 2023, the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup 2025 presented by Audi. Messi, the first-ever back-to-back Landon Donovan MLS MVP in 2024 and 2025, has posted 14 goals and 9 assists this season while also guiding Argentina, along with De Paul, to the 2026 World Cup final.
González’s start date has not been announced, though the club indicated Hoyos will continue leading the team until the new coaching staff is in place.