title: Mariano Messera
text: # Mariano Messera
  
  Mariano Messera (born 23 February 1978) is an Argentine football manager and former player who played as a midfielder.
  
  ## Career
  
  Born in Posadas, Messera started his playing career in 1997 for Gimnasia La Plata, where he played 160 league games and scored 36 goals.
  
  In 2002, he played for Cruz Azul in Mexico before returning to Argentina to play for Rosario Central until 2004 when he had a short spell with Calcio Catania.
  
  In 2005, Messera played for San Lorenzo, O'Higgins in Chile, and Skoda Xanthi of Greece before returning to Rosario Central in 2007.
  
  ## Coaching career
  
  After Gustavo Alfaro was fired in May 2017, Messera and Leandro Martini was appointed joint caretaker manager. In November 2019, the duo was appointed caretaker managers once again after Diego Maradona left. However, two days later, Maradona rejoined the club.
  
  