- Man Utd legend co-owner of MLS franchise
- Has made marquee signings
- Looking to create a worldwide brand
WHAT HAPPENED? The MLS outfit remain a work in progress for now, having only played their first competitive match in March 2020. They have, however, come a long way in a short space of time and now boast World Cup winners Messi and Sergio Busquets in their ranks. Co-owner Beckham – who knows all about success at the highest level from his time at Manchester United and Real Madrid as a player – intends to make Inter Miami a sporting superpower that is recognised all over the world.
WHAT THEY SAID: Beckham has told The Athletic of his grand plan: “I said, ‘What I want is the New York Yankees’. Whether you’re a baseball fan, whether you’re a fan of the Yankees, whether you love New York, I want to create a brand like they have. You see the Yankees hat and straight away you know what it is. I want people walking around in our baseball caps knowing that’s a Miami cap, that’s a Miami brand. (That) even if you’re not a soccer fan, you want to wear the jersey and the cap.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE: The former England captain is under no illusions as to the size of the challenge he faces, but he is fully committed to the long-term project and is prepared to continue giving up funds and sleep in order to make his dream a reality. Beckham added: “I’ve realised things of value can take time to build. But I want to be better, I don’t want to look at the league table and always think, ‘Are we going to win tonight?’. Because I spend most of my time in London, I’m sat up at 2am watching the games and when we lose it’s frustrating. I don’t enjoy being bottom of the league, I want better results, but I do also understand that there needs to be a certain amount of patience. I said to Jorge from day one: the reason Manchester United were so successful is because there was stability. I had one manager throughout my whole career there and that stability runs through the whole club. So when we bring a coach in, I feel that coach should be here for the next 10 years. That’s the way that we’re going to have success.”
IN THREE PHOTOS:
WHAT NEXT? Inter Miami are currently sat bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference, with a play-off berth threatening to slip out of reach in 2023, but seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi has made an immediate impact in the United States – netting three goals through two appearances – and his presence offers hope that a brighter future lies ahead.