'USMNT WILL win the World Cup' - David Beckham says Lionel Messi's MLS arrival will 'inspire' next generation in the U.S.

Inter Miami pulled off a stunning coup when they lured Messi to the MLS last summer. Since then there has been a surge in the popularity of soccer in the United States with passionate fans flocking to the stadiums to catch a glimpse of the 2022 World Cup winner.

In an interview with First We Feast, Beckham claimed that the signing of Messi is a "gift" to the U.S. people as his vision is to inspire young kids to take up the sport.

“It’s a gift in the sense of, I want to inspire the next generation of young kids that are playing in this country," Beckham said. "Because at some point, the U.S. will win the World Cup. And it needs moments like this where you bring someone of Leo’s magnitude. He’s good on the field, he’s good off the field. He’s the perfect professional. And so if you bring someone like that then all of these young kids that are watching throughout America, going to watch him in their stadiums, in their city, get inspired, and that’s really what we wanted to do.”

The USMNT have participated 11 times in the global spectacle and their best finish came in 1930 when they finished third. In the most recent edition in Qatar, they crashed out in the round-of-16 after losing 3-1 to the Netherlands.

Expectations will be high from Christian Pulisic and Co. in 2026 as the USMNT will enjoy a home advantage. After a disastrous Copa America campaign, they have reportedly agreed to hire former Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager. The U.S. will next play a friendly against Canada on Sept. 7.