FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- New Inter Miami head coach Cristian "Kily" González said he feels blessed to lead the club and coach Lionel Messi after taking the role on Tuesday. He replaces interim coach Guillermo Hoyos on a contract through June 2028.

"I feel privileged and blessed to share the fantastic relationship I have with Leo," González said. "I adore him, he knows it." The job reunites him with Messi after they played for Argentina in 2005 World Cup qualifiers.

González led his first training session Tuesday after arriving from Argentina. He will debut Wednesday against Cruz Azul in the Campeones Cup at Nu Stadium. Inter Miami reached an agreement Aug. 27, but he needed a work permit.

Inter Miami is second in the Eastern Conference with 45 points in 25 games, but has just one win in its last nine. Forward Luis Suárez said the match is a final and the team is ready to support the new coach. Miami hosts Cruz Azul before facing San Diego on Sunday.