David Beckham names club that got him ‘worried’ in Lionel Messi bid & reveals whether Argentine icon has to call him ‘boss’ at Inter Miami

The Argentine icon became available in the summer of 2023, with it clear for some time that he would be hitting free agency when reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. Messi eventually decided to head for MLS, but only after his former employers at Camp Nou made a serious bid to take him back to a spiritual home in Catalunya.

Inter Miami co-owner Beckham has told The Times of winning the race for Messi’s signature: “We always knew there would be competition. The time I got a bit worried was when Barcelona showed interest. The club obviously pulls on his heartstrings and he never really got to say the goodbye he deserved there. That was the only time I started to worry he might go somewhere else. But we did everything possible — me, Jorge and Jose [Mas]. And then getting that phone call that he’s decided to come to us… It still gives me goose bumps. I promised the fans and people of Miami that I wanted to bring some of the best players in the world. I am sure every owner says that but, from day one, he was the dream player I wanted to bring to Miami. I see him in our kit, I watch him train and play, and I can’t believe that we have Lionel Messi in our club.”

Messi made an immediate impact upon his arrival in the United States, as he inspired Inter Miami to a historic Leagues Cup triumph, but Beckham sees him leaving a lasting legacy. The Manchester United legend, who made his own move to America when joining the LA Galaxy in 2007, added: “The same as with me, I see Leo’s involvement in the league a lot longer than his playing time. We are very keen to keep him to help attract players and be involved with the football development of the club and football in the US. I think that will be a lot of fun for him as it’s been for me.”

Messi is hoping to have more “fun” in 2024, as Inter Miami set their sights on major silverware, but the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner will not have to tow the line expected of others. Beckham said when asked if the all-time great has to call him “boss”: “Some of them call me that. But I don’t make any demands of Leo and I don’t need to.”

Messi has taken in his last competitive appearance of 2023, in Argentina’s dramatic 2026 World Cup qualifying win over Brazil at the Maracana. He will not be seen on the pitch again until Inter Miami return to pre-season action ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign – with friendly dates being mooted against the likes of Newell’s Old Boys and Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr.