Xavi to reunite with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami? New report clarifies whether ex-Barcelona head coach is a contender to replace Gerardo 'Tata' Martino at MLS club

Reports of Martino's surprise departure following Inter Miami's early MLS Cup playoff exit would leave the club with a managerial vacancy. The Herons won't be short of options - the opportunity to coach Lionel Messi will appeal to many - and ex-Barcelona player and head coach Xavi finds himself linked with the position.

Xavi has been out of work since he was sacked by Barcelona in May. He boasts an impressive record, having found success with the Blaugrana and Qatari outfit Al-Sadd before that, but he reportedly won't be reuniting with Messi in the United States. According to Marca, there has been no contact between the two parties and the appointment is 'impossible'.

Joining Inter Miami - who will begin pre-season in January - would force Xavi to end his season-long sabbatical, which he isn't keen to do. The 44-year-old Spaniard also wants to manage a top European club. So while it would be a delight to see Xavi back with Messi, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba, the move doesn't meet his current aspirations.

Some soul-searching is required after Miami's shock defeat in the first round of the MLS Cup playoffs, although Messi has already announced his intentions to "come back stronger" next year. Martino and club executives are expected to speak at a news conference on Friday.