Gerardo 'Tata' Martino confirmed this Friday his departure from the coaching position at Inter Miami in MLS, where his compatriot Lionel Messi plays, citing "strictly personal reasons."

"Due to strictly personal reasons, I have to leave Inter. We cannot return next year, I need to be in Rosario (Argentina) for personal reasons," Martino announced during a press conference.

Martino's exit comes two weeks after Inter Miami's surprising elimination in the first round of the MLS playoffs, where they were favorites.

However, Martino assured during the press conference that he had made the decision to leave the team's bench before that playoff match against Atlanta United.

The 62-year-old did not close the door on coaching again but admitted that he would not be able to do so in the near future: "I am not going to work for at least several months next year."

The native of Rosario took over the coaching reins at Inter Miami in June 2023, coinciding with the arrival of Messi and former Barcelona players Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets at the club.

"It has been a very rewarding year and a half for us," Martino stated, noting that he "really enjoyed" his time in Miami.

"We are left with a very bitter taste, we fell short," he said in reference to the playoff elimination.

Under Martino's leadership, Inter Miami won their first two titles: the Leagues Cup 2023 and the MLS Supporter's Shield 2024, which recognized them as the best team of the regular season after setting a league record of 74 points.