Atlanta United announced that they have signed Gerardo Martino as their new manager until 2027, as they return to MLS with a team that has already won the MLS Cup in 2018.
Tata Martino’s announcement was accompanied by a video titled “A new chapter is about to begin,” in which the strategist wrote and told the club’s story, highlighting the team’s characteristics and highlighting that a new chapter in history is about to be written for the team. Later, in an official statement, Martino’s first words after his return were:
Lionel Messi takes Inter Miami to a new level
This is a separate project from my first spell. However, with good management and the cooperation of our players, our goal is always to form a winning team that our fans can be proud of.
From champion to rival: Tata Martino becomes Lionel Messi and Inter Miami’s enemy
Martino’s return to MLS is highly anticipated due to his career with Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. He coached the team in 2023 and won the League Cup and Supporters’ Shield in 2024, the first title in Florida’s club history. Additionally, under his stewardship, the Herons broke single-season scoring and goals records.
However, the Argentine tactician left Inter Miami for personal reasons and now, in 2026, they could face off in a great rivalry between two teams, Martino, who knows what it means to be champion for many, and Lionel Messi, who always guarantees entertainment.
Arthur Blank recognizes the importance of an “extraordinary” manager who was a fundamental part of Atlanta United’s early years and has left a clear message for the immediate future.
This is not about recreating the past, but building new foundations for the future.
How did Gerardo Martino spend his first spell with Atlanta United in MLS?
During his first spell in charge of Atlanta United in 2017-2018, the team set scoring records in just two seasons with 124 goals, 140 goals and an incredible goal difference of +56, surpassing 70 goals in back-to-back campaigns and giving the club an attacking identity it had been missing.
Atlanta United sporting director Chris Henderson highlighted the Argentine’s qualities and why they pursued him again.
Tata’s team has a clear identity and his style of play is in line with our club’s values. His success and knowledge of the league is well-documented and we look forward to welcoming him back.
Gerardo Martino comes to the position with a rich track record as a coach, having managed teams such as Barcelona, Newell’s Old Boys, Paraguay, Argentina and Mexico, as well as national teams. Now, he has returned to MLS as he needs to restore Atlanta United’s identity and get them competing in a league that is on the rise again.
