Tata Martino suddenly becomes another enemy of Messi in MLS

Atlanta United has confirmed the signing of Gerardo Martino as its new coach until 2027 to return to MLS with the team that already won the MLS Cup in 2018 .

The announcement of Tata Martino was accompanied by a video entitled: "A new chapter is about to begin" with the strategist writing and telling the story of the club, giving characteristics of the team and stressing that a new history is about to be written in the team. Later, in an official statement, Martino gave his first words after his return:

This is a different project from my first spell; however, with excellent management and the collaboration of the players, our goal will always be to form a winning team that makes our fans proud

From champions to rivals: Tata Martino becomes Lionel Messi and Inter Miami's enemy

Martino's return to MLS has generated high expectations due to his past with Lionel Messi's Inter Miami , a team he coached in 2023 and was champion of the Leagues Cup and the 2024 Supporters' Shield , the first titles in the Florida club's history. In addition, under his management, the Herons broke records for points and goals in a single season.

However, the Argentine strategist left Inter Miami for personal reasons and now in 2026 they could meet in what for many will be a great rivalry between two teams in which Martino knows what it is like to be a champion and with Lionel Messi who is always a guarantee of entertainment

Arthur Blank knows the importance of the coach, whom he described as "exceptional" and a fundamental part of Atlanta United's early days, leaving a clear message for the immediate future:

This is not about recreating the past, but about building a new foundation for the future

How did Gerardo Martino fare in his first spell with Atlanta United in MLS?

During his first spell in charge of Atlanta United from 2017 to 2018, the team set a points record with 124, 140 goals and an abysmal +56 goal difference in just two seasons, surpassing 70 goals in consecutive campaigns , giving the club an attacking identity that they have been losing.

Chris Henderson , Atlanta United's sporting director, highlighted the Argentine's qualities and why they went after him again:

Tata's teams have a defined identity, and his style of play aligns with the values of our club. His success and knowledge of the league are more than proven, and we look forward to welcoming him back

Gerardo Martino arrives with an extensive track record as a coach, having managed teams and national teams such as B arcelona, Newell's Old Boys, Paraguay, Argentina and Mexico . Now he returns to MLS with the need to return Atlanta United's identity and get them competing again in a league that is on the rise.