Atlanta United
Atlanta United

Gerardo Martino officially becomes Mexico’s coach

Gerardo 'Tata" Martino directs midfielder Kevin Kratz from the sidelines during a game against Montreal Sunday, April 28, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Credit: Miguel Martinez

Credit: Miguel Martinez

Gerardo 'Tata" Martino directs midfielder Kevin Kratz from the sidelines during a game against Montreal Sunday, April 28, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
By The Associated Press
Jan 7, 2019

Argentina’s Gerardo Martino, who led Lionel Messi at Barcelona and Argentina’s national team, was introduced on Monday as Mexico’s new coach for the next World Cup.

The "Tata" Martino disembarks with the "Tri" after leading Atlanta United to the MLS Cup win and with an agreement for the next four years. He succeeds Juan Carlos Osorio, whose contract expired after participating in the World Cup in Russia.

Martino, 56, will be the third Argentine coach to lead Mexico and the first since Ricardo La Volpe was in charge from 2002 to 2006. The Mexicans also were directed by Cesar Luis Menotti between 1991 and 1992.

Like his predecessors, Martino arrives at the Mexican national team with the mission of reaching the quarterfinals in a World Cup. That round has been impossible for the “Tri” on the world stage. It only reached it as hosts in the editions of 1970 and 1986 World Cups.

About the Author

The Associated Press
More Stories

Keep Reading

In 1990, the International Olympic Committee selected Atlanta as the host city for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, who served as co-chair of the Atlanta Olympics committee, and his wife, Jean, were bombarded with confetti during this parade soon after the selection. (Eric Williams/AJC 1990)

Credit: AJC

Atlanta United ad may hint at next season’s kit

The ad in the sports section of Thursday's AJC features a gold medal, green ribbon and doves, as well as an outline of Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Important things to watch in Atlanta United’s final 5 matches

Though Atlanta United’s remaining five matches don’t mean anything because it was eliminated from playoff scenarios, they could set the course for next season’s success.

Lack of consistency crushes Atlanta United this season, Deila says

Atlanta United is out of the playoff race with five games left, the earliest the team has been eliminated from MLS Cup contention in the franchise's nine-year history.

The Latest

In 1990, the International Olympic Committee selected Atlanta as the host city for the 1996 Summer Olympics. Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young, who served as co-chair of the Atlanta Olympics committee, and his wife, Jean, were bombarded with confetti during this parade soon after the selection. (Eric Williams/AJC 1990)

Credit: AJC

Atlanta United ad may hint at next season’s kit

Important things to watch in Atlanta United’s final 5 matches

Lack of consistency crushes Atlanta United this season, Deila says

Featured

Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

Police abandoned area where 8-year-old was shot, detective testifies

The testimony came as trial began for Julian Conley, the man accused of fatally shooting the child near the burned-down Wendy’s where Rayshard Brooks was killed weeks earlier.

Emory giving free tuition to students from families making under $200,000

Starting next academic year, Emory University will be tuition-free for undergraduates whose families earn less than $200,000, a move that could help hundreds of students.

Weekend Predictions: Another winning weekend for Falcons, Georgia Tech?

Weekend Predictions is off to a hot start. But will wins by the Atlanta Falcons, Georgia Tech and Georgia State keep this streak alive?