‘People are shocked’ – How Lionel Messi has stunned Florida natives as Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham reveals Argentine superstar has 'changed everything'

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner took the bold decision to walk away from European football and go chasing the American dream when reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. He has committed to an initial two-and-a-half-year deal in the United States, with his family settling quickly in new surroundings.

Messi has – when clear of injury – make an immediate impact on the pitch, but has also impressed with his behaviour away from the field. Inter Miami co-owner Beckham has told the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet: “He is so humble. It's just the normal things that we all think ‘that's how it should be’. This is someone that, especially in Miami, he's not left alone. He's chased everywhere, he’s followed everywhere, there's thousands of people every single day at the training ground just to watch him get in his car and drive down the road. From the moment he arrived in Miami, he drives himself to the supermarket, does his shopping, goes home – and people are shocked at that, but that is him. He’s humble, he's hard working, he's got a great family. His wife is amazing, the kids are amazing – he's just a normal guy with an unbelievable talent.”

Messi inspired Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory and the U.S. Open Cup final within weeks of his arrival, with Beckham adding on what makes the mercurial Argentine so special: “To bring someone like him to the club, we knew it would change the club and we knew it would change the league and the sport – but it's beyond that. What he does on the pitch, what he does off the pitch, for the young kids – to bring somebody in like him is the dream, also Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. To bring in Leo has changed everything. The academy kids have someone to look up to, who has done everything, won everything, and he's teaching them, which is amazing.”

Messi has sat out Inter Miami’s last four games through injury and, with results taking a turn for the worse, there is a chance that he will miss out on a shot at more major silverware in the MLS play-offs – although he has been nominated for the Most Valuable Player and Newcomer of the Year awards in Major League Soccer.