Gerardo Martino

2.1. Early life and background

Gerardo Daniel Martino was born on November 20, 1962, in Rosario, Argentina. He is affectionately known by his nickname, `Tata<sup>Spanish</sup>`, which means "Papa" in Spanish. Martino has Italian heritage, with his grandparents originating from Ripacandida in Basilicata, Italy. He is married to María Angélica.

2.2. Playing career

Martino primarily played as an attacking midfielder and is most strongly associated with Newell's Old Boys, his hometown club in Rosario, where he began his youth career in 1972 and remained until 1980 before making his professional debut. He played for Newell's for a total of 10 years across multiple stints (1980-1990, 1991-1994, 1995). He holds the record for the most appearances with the club, playing a total of 505 matches in all official competitions, and was voted by fans as Newell's best player in the club's history. During his second spell at Newell's, he played under Marcelo Bielsa, who became a significant influence on Martino's later coaching philosophy.

Beyond Newell's Old Boys, Martino had brief spells at other clubs. In 1990-1991, he played for Spanish club CD Tenerife, making 15 appearances. He later moved to CA Lanús (1994-1995), followed by CD O'Higgins in Chile in 1996, and Barcelona SC in Ecuador in 1996, where he played 5 matches before retiring. Across his entire playing career, he amassed 538 appearances with 41 goals.

Martino also represented Argentina internationally. He made two appearances for the Argentina U-20 team in 1981, debuting on February 15 in a 3-0 friendly victory against Chile. Ten years later, on February 19, 1991, he received his first call-up to the senior squad by coach Alfio Basile for a friendly against Hungary. Martino came on in the second half, with Argentina winning 2-0. This was his only senior international cap.

3.1. Early club career

Martino began his managerial journey in Argentina, taking charge of Brown de Arrecifes in 1998, followed by Platense in 1999, and Instituto in 2000.

His move to Paraguay proved particularly fruitful. From 2002 to 2003, he managed Libertad, leading them to two consecutive Paraguayan Primera División titles. He then moved to Cerro Porteño (2003-2004), where he continued his success by winning another Paraguayan Primera División title in 2004. After a brief return to Argentina with Colón in 2005, he returned to Libertad from 2005 to 2006, securing his third Paraguayan league title. During his time with Libertad, he also achieved a significant milestone by guiding the club to the semi-finals of the 2006 Copa Libertadores, their best-ever performance in the competition, overcoming formidable teams like River Plate and UANL Tigres. His club coaching record includes a notable streak of not losing for seven consecutive years.

3.2. Paraguay national team

In February 2007, Martino was appointed as the head coach of the Paraguay national football team, succeeding Aníbal Ruiz. His prior success and deep understanding of Paraguayan club football made him a strong candidate.

Martino led Paraguay in the 2007 Copa América, where they performed well in the group stage, securing two wins and a draw against teams including Argentina, Colombia, and the United States. However, they were eliminated in the quarter-finals after a significant 0-6 defeat to Mexico.

His most notable achievement with Paraguay came during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification. The team started strong with an unbeaten run in their first five matches and achieved a significant 2-0 victory over Brazil in June 2008. Martino's tactical approach, characterized by a high-pressing, counter-attacking style, was effective. Despite a dip in form during the second half of the qualification campaign as opponents adapted, Paraguay consistently remained within the qualification spots, securing a spot in the World Cup as the third-placed team with 10 wins, 3 draws, and 5 losses. During this period, Martino oversaw the naturalization of several Argentine-born players, including Lucas Barrios, Jonathan Santana, and Néstor Ortigoza, into the Paraguayan squad, a move that sparked some debate in Paraguay regarding the "Argentinization" of the national team.

At the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Paraguay topped their group, drawing 1-1 with reigning champions Italy, winning 2-0 against Slovakia, and drawing 0-0 with New Zealand. In the Round of 16, they faced Japan. The match remained goalless after 120 minutes, leading to a penalty shootout where Paraguay emerged victorious, advancing to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in their history. In the quarter-finals, they were narrowly defeated 0-1 by eventual champions Spain. Martino's team was praised for its solid defense and strong team unity. Despite announcing his intention to step down after the World Cup as his four-year contract expired, he later agreed to stay on until the 2011 Copa América.

In the 2011 Copa América, Martino made efforts to revitalize the squad, including selecting top domestic league scorer Pablo Zeballos over veteran Óscar Cardozo. Paraguay advanced to the knockout stage despite drawing all three of their group matches against Brazil, Ecuador, and Venezuela. In the quarter-finals, they again faced Brazil, securing another goalless draw and advancing on penalties after all Brazilian penalty takers missed. In the semi-finals, they defeated Venezuela, also on penalties, to reach their first Copa América final since 1979, having remarkably not won a single match in regular time throughout the tournament. Martino was suspended for the final against Uruguay due to an altercation with the Venezuelan coach, César Farías, after the semi-final. Paraguay suffered a 0-3 defeat in the final, finishing as runners-up. Following the tournament, Martino resigned, citing criticisms of his defensive tactics.

3.3. Newell's Old Boys

After declining an offer to coach the Colombia national football team, Martino chose to return to his former club, Newell's Old Boys, in 2012. At the time, the club was dangerously close to relegation to the Primera B Nacional, the second tier of Argentine football. Under Martino's leadership, Newell's achieved a remarkable turnaround. He not only secured their top-flight status but also led them to win the 2013 Torneo Final, the second stage of the Argentine Primera División. Furthermore, they reached the semi-finals of the 2013 Copa Libertadores, the pinnacle club competition in South America. This dramatic transformation from a relegation-threatened side to a league champion and continental semi-finalist significantly elevated Martino's reputation as a coach and attracted attention from major European clubs.

3.4. Barcelona

On July 23, 2013, Martino was confirmed as the new head coach of Spanish club FC Barcelona, signing a two-year deal. His appointment came after the sudden resignation of Tito Vilanova due to health issues. This marked Martino's first coaching role in European club football.

His debut competitive match was on August 18, 2013, a commanding 7-0 victory against Levante on the opening weekend of the 2013-14 La Liga season. On October 26, 2013, Martino secured a 2-1 victory over rivals Real Madrid in his first Clásico as Barcelona coach. Three days later, following a 3-0 win against Celta Vigo, he became the first Barcelona coach to remain unbeaten in his first 16 matches. This unbeaten streak extended to 21 games before ending with a 1-2 loss to Ajax in the 2013-14 UEFA Champions League on November 20.

Despite a strong start, Barcelona finished as runners-up in both the 2013-14 Copa del Rey (losing to Real Madrid in the final) and 2013-14 La Liga (conceding the title to Atlético Madrid on the final day of the season). The only major trophy won during his tenure was the 2013 Supercopa de España. On May 17, 2014, Martino announced his resignation after just one year in charge.

3.5. Argentina national team

On August 12, 2014, Martino was introduced as the new head coach for the Argentina national football team, succeeding Alejandro Sabella, who had led the team to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final.

Under Martino's leadership, Argentina reached consecutive finals in the Copa América. In the 2015 Copa América, they were defeated by host nation Chile in a penalty shootout. The following year, in the Copa América Centenario, Argentina again faced Chile in the final on June 26, 2016, and once more lost on penalties. These two runner-up finishes were significant disappointments for a team featuring Lionel Messi and other star players. In the 2015 Copa América, the team's overall performance, excluding a dominant win against Paraguay, was criticized for being low-scoring, with only 4 goals in 5 matches.

On July 5, 2016, Martino resigned from his role, citing "serious problems" within the AFA and his departure also came just a month before the 2016 Summer Olympics, for which he was expected to coach the Olympic team.

3.6. Atlanta United

After leaving the Argentina national team, Martino was announced as the inaugural head coach for Atlanta United FC, a MLS expansion team, on September 27, 2016. His tenure with Atlanta United was highly successful.

In their second season, Martino led the team to victory in the MLS Cup, securing the club's first league title. This achievement was a testament to his ability to build a competitive team quickly. He was also recognized for his contributions by being named the MLS Coach of the Year in 2018. On October 23, 2018, Martino announced that he would not renew his contract with Atlanta United following the conclusion of the 2018 MLS season, citing personal reasons. It was widely anticipated that he would take on the role of head coach for the Mexico national football team.

3.7. Mexico national team

On January 7, 2019, Martino was announced as the head coach of the Mexico national football team, marking his return to international management. His first match in charge was a 3-1 friendly victory over Chile on March 22.

Later that year, Martino led Mexico to win the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, defeating rivals the United States 1-0 in the final. This marked his first title with a national team.

However, Mexico's performance experienced a significant decline in 2021. They lost both the inaugural CONCACAF Nations League final and the 2021 CONCACAF Gold Cup to the United States. This period was further compounded by a 0-2 loss to the United States in World Cup qualifying in November, marking the first time since 1934 that one side had swept three matches against the other in a calendar year within the rivalry.

Martino led Mexico in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Despite being in a relatively accessible group with Argentina, Poland, and Saudi Arabia, Mexico failed to advance beyond the group stage. They finished third in their group behind Poland on goal difference, marking their first group stage exit since 1978 and was considered their biggest failure in 44 years. Following their final group match against Saudi Arabia, Martino's contract as head coach concluded. Reports suggested he would have been dismissed even if Mexico had advanced further, owing to his growing unpopularity and perceived combative persona, regardless of the team's World Cup outcome.

3.8. Inter Miami

On June 28, 2023, Martino made his return to MLS, being appointed as head coach of Inter Miami CF. His arrival coincided with the highly anticipated signing of Lionel Messi, and he reunited with former Barcelona players Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, as well as former Atlanta United player Josef Martínez.

Martino's immediate impact was significant. His team won the 2023 Leagues Cup on August 20, Inter Miami's first-ever trophy, just two months after his appointment, largely propelled by Messi's influence. Inter Miami also finished as runners-up in the 2023 U.S. Open Cup and won the Supporters' Shield in the 2024 Major League Soccer season. On November 22, 2024, Martino announced his departure from Inter Miami, citing personal reasons.

7.1. As a player

Newell's Old Boys

• Argentine Primera División: 1987-88, 1990-91, 1992 Clausura
• Copa Libertadores runner-up: 1988, 1992

7.2. As a manager

Libertad

• Paraguayan Primera División: 2002, 2003, 2006

Cerro Porteño

• Paraguayan Primera División: 2004

Newell's Old Boys

• Argentine Primera División: 2013 Final

Barcelona

• Supercopa de España: 2013
• Copa del Rey runner-up: 2013-14

Atlanta United

• MLS Eastern Conference Championship: 2018
• MLS Cup: 2018

Inter Miami

• Leagues Cup: 2023
• U.S. Open Cup runner-up: 2023
• Supporters' Shield: 2024

Paraguay

• Copa América runner-up: 2011

Argentina

• Copa América runner-up: 2015, 2016

Mexico

• CONCACAF Gold Cup: 2019
• CONCACAF Nations League runner-up: 2019-20

7.3. Individual

• South American Coach of the Year: 2007
• MLS All-Star: 2018
• MLS Coach of the Year: 2018

8.1. Positive reception

Martino has been widely praised for his tactical acumen and his ability to implement an attractive, attacking style of football. His transformative impact at Newell's Old Boys is frequently cited as a testament to his coaching prowess, as he guided the club from the brink of relegation to a league title and a Copa Libertadores semi-final. This dramatic turnaround showcased his capacity for both short-term impact and strategic team building.

His tenure with the Paraguay national football team also earned significant praise. Leading Paraguay to their first-ever FIFA World Cup quarter-final in 2010 was a historic achievement, and the team's disciplined defense and strong team unity under his guidance were highly lauded. Despite a perceived lack of star power compared to other South American giants, Martino fostered a cohesive unit that punched above its weight. His subsequent successes, including winning the MLS Cup with Atlanta United FC and the CONCACAF Gold Cup with Mexico, further solidified his reputation as a coach who can achieve silverware and develop teams in various leagues and international competitions.

8.2. Criticism and controversies

Despite his successes, Martino's career has also faced its share of criticism and controversies. One prominent rumor surrounded his appointment as FC Barcelona coach. Speculation arose that his fellow Argentine, Lionel Messi, had influenced Barcelona's decision to hire Martino. Messi publicly denied these claims, stating, "I have never met Martino. I only said that Martino is a good coach because he achieved decent results with Newell's Old Boys and the Paraguay national team." This rumor highlighted the intense scrutiny and external pressures associated with managing a club of Barcelona's stature.

During his time as coach of the Paraguay national football team, Martino faced domestic criticism regarding the "Argentinization" of the squad, as he naturalized several Argentine-born players to bolster the team. While tactically sound for performance, this decision sparked debate among Paraguayan fans and media concerning national identity within the team. Furthermore, after leading Paraguay to the 2011 Copa América final, Martino was criticized for his defensive tactics, which saw the team reach the final without winning a single match in regular time. This criticism ultimately contributed to his resignation from the role.

His two consecutive Copa América runner-up finishes with the Argentina national football team in 2015 and 2016 were significant disappointments, particularly given the team's strong roster. The inability to secure a major trophy, losing both finals on penalties to Chile, led to frustration among fans and media. Martino's eventual resignation from the Argentina national team in 2016, citing "serious problems" within the AFA, further underscored the internal strife and challenges he faced in that role.

Martino's tenure with the Mexico national football team ended on a particularly critical note. After winning the 2019 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the team experienced a significant decline in form in 2021, losing two major finals to the United States. The most severe criticism came after Mexico's performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage for the first time since 1978. This was widely seen as a "huge failure." Following the World Cup, Martino's contract as head coach concluded. Reports suggested he would have been dismissed even if Mexico had advanced further, owing to his growing unpopularity and perceived combative persona, regardless of the team's World Cup outcome.