WASHINGTON, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Javier Mascherano has stepped aside as manager of Inter Miami for personal reasons, the MLS club said on Tuesday.

The announcement came less than five months after Mascherano led the Florida side to its first MLS Cup title with a 3-1 win over Vancouver Whitecaps in the final.

"First and foremost, I would like to thank the club for the trust they placed in me, every employee who is part of the organization for the collective effort, but especially the players, who made it possible for us to experience unforgettable moments," Mascherano said in a statement on the club's website.

"I also want to thank the fans and La Familia, because none of this would have been possible without them. I will always carry with me the memory of our first star, and wherever I am, I will continue to wish the club all the best moving forward."

Mascherano oversaw 38 wins, 15 draws and 14 losses after taking charge of Inter Miami in January 2025. In addition to the MLS Cup triumph, the 41-year-old led the club to the knockout rounds of the FIFA Club World Cup last year.

Guillermo Hoyos will take over the role on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is named. ■