# Inter Miami appoints Kily González as head coach

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/inter-miami-coaching-change
> Updated: 2026-09-09T22:04:16.000Z. Sources: 103. Developments: 3.

Inter Miami has officially confirmed the appointment of Argentine Cristian ‘Kily’ González as the new head coach of the first team, succeeding interim manager Guillermo Hoyos. While the club reached an agreement with González in late August, his official debut on the touchline is currently delayed due to pending work permit documentation required to coach in the United States.

González will formally assume his duties once his U.S. work authorization is finalized. In the interim, Hoyos continues to oversee the squad and is reportedly in communication with González to facilitate a smooth handover once the legal paperwork is cleared. Hoyos has led the club since Javier Mascherano’s departure in April.

The coaching transition follows a period of poor performance where the club failed to win five consecutive matches. Addressing speculation regarding Lionel Messi’s potential influence on the decision, Hoyos stated that while players of Messi’s stature naturally possess influence, the appointment of González was an “institutional initiative.”

On the field, the team has seen a significant turnaround, securing a 7-1 victory over CF Montréal. Lionel Messi led the performance by scoring four goals—including two direct free kicks—and providing an assist to Luis Suárez. This marked the first time a player has scored four goals in a single match in Inter Miami's history. During this match, Messi also set a new MLS record, becoming the fastest player to record 20 matches with multiple goals, achieving the feat in just 72 games. This performance moved him to the top of the MLS scoring charts with 18 goals this season. 

In a major parallel development, Messi announced his retirement from the Argentine national team via Instagram, stating that while the decision was painful, he felt it was time to step aside for the next generation.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-09: Kily González's Inter Miami coaching debut delayed by work permit

Kily González’s appointment as Inter Miami head coach is delayed by pending U.S. work permit documentation, leaving Guillermo Hoyos in charge as interim manager.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kily-gonzlezs-inter-miami-coaching-debut-delayed-by-work-permit

### 2026-08-28: Lionel Messi scores four in Inter Miami's 7-1 win over CF Montreal

Lionel Messi scored four goals to lead Inter Miami to a 7-1 win over CF Montreal, while the club announced Cristian “Kily” González as its new head coach.

26 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/inter-miami-appoints-cristian-kily-gonzlez-as-new-head-coach

### 2026-08-26: Inter Miami appoints Kily González as new head coach

Inter Miami has appointed former Argentina international Cristian ‘Kily’ González as its new head coach to lead Lionel Messi, replacing interim manager Guillermo Hoyos following a recent run of poor results.

73 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/inter-miami-faces-winless-streak-as-lionel-messi-nears-career-milestone

---
Cite as: Inter Miami appoints Kily González as head coach. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/inter-miami-coaching-change