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While most of the spotlight for the Inter Miami – Newell’s Old Boys match is, unsurprisingly on Lionel Messi, the man who holds a greater history of love with the Argentine club is Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino. Martino became a legendary player for La Lepra and was the one who guided them to their last Argentine League title in mid-2013, in a tournament where they were the protagonists ahead of the famous River Plate.

Martino success with Newell’s Old Boys

The championship in which they finished leaders of the Argentine first division was Martino’s last before moving to FC Barcelona for the 2013-14 season, so he couldn’t have found a better way to bid farewell to the team that calls Estadio Marcelo Bielsa home. After managing Argentina, Atlanta United, and Mexico, this preseason friendly with the Herons provides him with a reunion filled with emotions.

The outlook for a much-needed positive MLS campaign for the Fort Lauderdale franchise is somewhat complicated for Tata, but they must approach the last preparation match with the utmost seriousness. This is a game where the 61-year-old coach needs to solidify his pieces for the opening fixture of Major League Soccer 2024 against Real Salt Lake on Wednesday 21 February.

Also, in addition to winning the 2013 championship with Newell’s, where they finished with 38 points, a goal difference of +19, 12 wins, two draws, and five losses, Martino also lifted three trophies during his professional playing career with Newell’s in 1988, 1991, and 1992. It is expected that a significant number of Argentine fans will attend the DRV PNK Stadium for a celebration in South Florida.

MLS connection with Newell’s

The North American league highlighted the close relationship they have had with the South American club over the years, with the most prominent figure with ties to Newell’s Old Boys being Lionel Messi. However, other notable names associated with the club include Franco Escobar, Joaquín Torres, Franco Negri, Maximiliano Urruti, and Mauro Rosales. Another notable figure in the dugouts was Gabriel Heinze.