Messi’s Inter Miami appoints new coach Cristian Gonzalez; interim manager Hoyos banned for a game

Guillermo Hoyos will remain as interim manager of Inter Miami until new head coach Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez’ (not in pic) US work permit is approved. | Photo Credit: AFP

Lionel Messi-led Inter Miami appointed Cristian ‘Kily’ Gonzalez as the new head coach of the defending Major League Soccer champion on Thursday.

A fellow Argentine, Gonzalez also hails from Messi’s hometown, Rosario.

The appointment comes after Miami’s lean run of form under interim manager Guillermo Hoyos. The side has lost four of its last five games, remaining second in the Eastern Conference but slipping 10 points adrift of leader Nashville.

“Inter Miami CF announced today that it has reached an agreement with Cristian Alberto ‘Kily’ Gonzalez to become the Club’s new First Team head coach,” said a club statement

Hoyos also received a one-game ban and fine for Miami’s multiple violations of MLS’ late kick-off policy as his team was a repeat offender of returning to the field after half-time breaks.

The ‌club was also fined an ‌undisclosed amount.

MLS said ‌in ⁠a statement that ⁠clubs and their head coaches are “subject to escalating fines and ​a head ‌coach suspension for repeated violations” of the policy, which says teams must ‌be ready and ​on the field for scheduled kickoff times ⁠of both halves of a match.

Hoyos will serve ‌his suspension on Saturday when Miami hosts CF Montreal.

Hoyos, previously Miami’s sporting director and a longtime friend of club captain and talisman Messi, only stepped into the temporary role in April after Javier Mascherano departed the club for “personal reasons.”

“Inter Miami would like to especially highlight and thank Hoyos for his commitment and full dedication to the Club, demonstrated by his willingness to assume the role during this period, which began last April,” said the club statement.